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MORRIS SIGNET 



\> 



THE HISTORY 



Order of the Eastern Star 



BY 

Rev. Willis D. Engle 

'( 

Most Worthy Grand Patron and first Right Wortny Grand Secretary of the 
General Grand Chapter of the Order 



illustrated 



Second Edition — Revised 



INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 
WILLIS D. engle, Publishi^r 







This History of the Order of the Eastern Star is 
FRATERNALLY DEDICATED 

By tlie author to his co-laborers in the early days of the Order, whose 

eyes have seen the crowning of their labors; and to the memory 

of those faithful ones among them who have passed on 

to the larger life, and entered upon rest nobly won. 




Copyrighted by Willis D. Engle. 
1901—1912. 






PREFACE. 



TO BE the first to enter an unexplored field, and attempt 
to map out before the understanding of one's readers 
its various characteristics ; to delve below the soil and thus en- 
deavor to discover the hidden sources from which has sprung 
that which appears upon the surface, and thus to add to the 
store of knowledge, is no easy task, and requires patient, per- 
severing labor. Although the writer of this book has been an 
active worker in the Order of the Eastern Star for thirty-eight 
years, and during all that time has been a diligent gatherer of 
material and facts concerning it, and has, by the favor of his 
fellow-members, been placed in positions of trust and responsi- 
bility, which have given him rare opportunities to learn much 
of the workings of the Order, yet he had no idea, when he un- 
dertook the production of this history, how great the task 
would prove, for he has undertaken to be doubly sure of the 
facts stated and has spent days in running down some par- 
ticular item that, perhaps, when secured, would not add a dozen 
lines to the work. That it is perfect, and that every essential 
fact that it is possible to ascertain in regard to the Order is con- 
tained in it, he would not pretend to say ; but he does say that 
he has made an honest effort in that direction. How far he 
has succeeded perhaps time only can demonstrate. Although 
there have been brief historical sketches of the Order written, 
they have been produced generally for a purpose other than a 
simple development of the truth, and the writer knows of none, 
however brief, that has not contained more or less inaccurate 
statements, even as his may be found to do, but none have been 
knowingly made, and he has tried to present every fact in an 
unbiased manner. If he succeeds in adding something to the 
common stock of knowledge and understanding, and in rescu- 
ing some facts from being lost, and is privileged to be an instru- 
ment in adding a little to the glory and luster of the Order, he 
will be satisfied. In the history it will be found that, while he 



4 PREFACE, 

has made no direct quotations from the present authorized 
ritual, with one or two minor exceptions, he has quoted, some- 
times quite copiously, from rituals that are now obsolete, but 
in doing so he has carefully avoided incorporating therein any- 
thing that might throw any light upon what is the real secret 
work of the Order, and in this respect he believes his work will 
be found to compare favorably with the Masonic histories and 
encyclopedias. He has endeavored, at the same time, to con- 
vey to the enlightened reader as full knowledge of the subject 
in hand as was possible with these limitations. Many months 
of continuous labor have been bestowed upon it, and as he in- 
dites these words, as his task is drawing to a close, it is with 
the desire that his readers will consider how hard it is for one 
to write unbiasedly of liis own times and of events in which 
he has been an active participant, so that if the first person 
singular is sometimes prominent, it is simply because a full 
recital of essential facts rendered it necessary. He would be 
remiss if he did not express his deep sense of obligation to the 
many brothers and sisters who have given him material assist- 
ance in securing information that has helped to make the work 
both valuable and interesting. He trusts that none of them 
will be disappointed in its perusal, and that they will by kindly 
words encourage others to purchase it, that he may receive at 
least some return for his months of labor. 

It will be noticed that in this work the Eastern Star degrees 
are sometimes spoken of in the shigular, and sometimes in the 
plural. This will be understood when it is stated that in the 
earlier days the secrets were given by communication and the 
singular number was used, but when given in constellations or 
chapters they were spoken of in the plural, and I have followed 
this custom. WILLIS D. ENGLE. 



PART ONE. 



EMBRACING A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE 
ORDER, A FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL RITUALS 
PRINTED FOR ITS USE SINCE ITS INCEPTION, 
WITH A SYSTEMATIC PRESENTATION AND COM- 
PARISON OF ITS SYMBOLIC AND EMBLEMATIC 
TEACHINGS; A HISTORY OF ITS GOVERNING 
BODIES, TOGETHER WITH ITS LAWS AND CUS- 
TOMS. CONTAINING, ALSO, FULL NOTICES OF 
ALL SIDE DEGREES AND OTHER CEREMONIES 
PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF THE ORDER, AND 
OF OTHER PERTINENT PUBLICATIONS. 



BON VOYAGE. 

Go, "History of the Eastern Star/' 
Where e'er its wandering children are; 
Recall to those who hailed its birth 
Their toilsome struggle 'mid the dearth 
Of cheering words, or sunny ways; 
And tell to those of later days 
How great the triumph it has met — 
Lest they forget — lest they forget. 

So gladly forth, and may thy pages 
Suffice to keep for future ages 
The record of the care and strength 
Which nursed and fostered, till at length 
The Order of the Eastern Star 
Is known and loved the world afar. 
With naught set down in malice vile; 
E'en unkind facts wear friendship's smile. 
For, though our Order had its battle, 
It's grown above war's din and rattle, 
And charity's broad mantle red . 
Is cast about those days, instead. 

To those who labored, loved, and — fought, 

The guerdon was not dearly bought, 

For our great Order moves today 

Untrammelled in its upward way. 

To those who helped with heart and hand 

To make this true; that knightly band; 

Those women brave; we ask the fame 

Too often grudged each early name. 

No easy task for woman lone 

To stand as target; many a stone 

Was hurled 'gainst such whose word and deed 

Helped in our Order's hour of need. 

They're now forgotten, yet that hour 

Gave birth to all its present power. 

Now, in these days of proud progress. 
Forget not those of storm and stress. 
Encourage the same zeal and truth 
Which marked our Order in its youth. 
And let the future years reveal 
The same desire for its best weal; 
Then shall its record grow and blaze 
With the refulgence of its rays, 
Till earth, illumined, near and far 
Reflects the light of Bethlehem's star! 

— Adelaide C. Strong Engle, 



CHAPTER I. 




THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 

KOB MOKKIS NOT ITS FOUNDER. 

N organization would hardly be entitled to the des- 
ignation Masonic whose origin was not shrouded 
in mystery, and in this respect the Order of the 
Eastern Star is the peer of any of the branches of 
Masonry. We know that Androgynous Masonry 
(so named from two Greek words signifying "man" and 
"woman") was established in France in 1730, under the name 
of Adoptive Masonry, and that its lodges were called adoptive 
lodges. These flourished and gained steadily in both numbers 
and influence until, in 1774, the Grand Orient of France estab- 
lished the Rite of Adoption, and set forth rules and regulations 
for its government. Among other requirements was one that 
each lodge should be placed under the charge and held under 
the sanction and warrant of some regularly constituted Ma- 
sonic lodge, whose master, or his deputy, should be the presid- 
ing officer, assisted by a woman president or mistress. We 
are unable to learn whether the ritual used from 1730 was con- 
tinued in use, or a new one adopted. It is probable that the 
earlier ritual at least furnished the basis for the later work, 
which consisted of four degrees, viz. : 

The first, or apprentice degree, was introductory in its 
character, in which the candidate was prepared to appreciate 
the emblematic lessons inculcated in the degrees that were to 
follow. 

The second, or companion degree, represented emblematic- 
ally, in its ceremony of initiation, the temptation in Eden, and, 
in the lecture, or catechism (of which there was one to each 
degree), the candidate was reminded of the unhappy results 
of woman's first sin, culminating in the universal deluge. 

The third, or mistress degree, was based upon the legend 
of the building of Babel's tower, the confusion of tongues, and 



8 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 

the dispersion of the human race. This was made to sym- 
boHze a badly regulated lodge, in which disorder and confusion 
reigned, while the ladder of Jacob was introduced to represent 
the various virtues which a Mason should possess, and the con- 
cord and obedience that should exist in a well regulated lodge. 

The fourth, or perfect mistress degree, was founded upon 
the passage of the children of Israel through the wilderness, 
which w^as made to symbolize the passage of men and women 
through this to another and better w^orld, and the officers repre- 
sented Moses, Aaron, and other characters in that history. 

There is no evidence, so far as known, that the French rite 
ever obtained in this country. A French edition of its ritual, 
under the title "La Vraire Maconnerie D' Adoption" (144 pp.)' 
was printed in Philadelphia in 1768; a Spanish translation was 
printed in Havana in 1822, and, about 1874, Albert Pike pub- 
lished an English translation of it, revised and amplified, but 
efforts to establish lodges proved entire failures, the ritual be- 
ing altogether too lengthy and sombrous to command success. 

But side degrees to be conferred upon women in an infor- 
mal manner, in the form of lectures, seemed to be in demand, 
and the demand was supplied. Under the title of "Ladies's 
Masonry," William Leigh, Past Grand Master of Alabama, in 
185 1 set forth the degree of the ''Holy Virgin," and the degree 
of the ''Heroine of Jericho." In 1866, under the title of the 
"Ladies' Friend," G. W. Brown, of Michigan, published the 
"Eastern Star," "Mason's Daughter," "Kindred Degree," 
"Good Samaritan," and "Heroines of Jericho." Other de- 
grees bore the titles of "Ark and Dove," "Maids of Jeru- 
salem," "Sweet Brier," "Daughters of Zion," "Daughters 
of Zelophadad," "Daughters of Bethlehem," "Cross and 
Crown," and "Lady of the Cross." Of the origin of these de- 
grees little is known. The Heroines of Jericho is said to be 
the oldest of them all, and to have been the production of 
David Vinton, of Rhode Island. While these other degrees 
are somewhat analagous to the Eastern Star, it is not the de- 
sign of the writer to attempt to set forth their various pecul- 
iarities, but to confine his history to the Eastern Star. 

If confidence could be placed in certain statements of Rob 
Morris, whose labors in bringing the Order into prominence 
exceed those of any other person, we could easily ascertain the 



THE ORIGIX OF THE ORDER. 9 

truth as to its origin. But these statements are made without 
corroborative proof, and have been contradicted by the brother 
himself. In ''A Monument of Gratitude" (1884), Brother 
Morris said : 

"Some writers have faUen into the error of placing the in- 
troduction of the Eastern Star as far back as 1775, and this 
they gather from my work, 'Lights and Shadows of Freema- 
sonry,' published in 1852. What I intended to say in that 
book was that the French officers introduced Adoptive Ma- 
sonry into the colonies in 1775, but nothing like the degree 
called the Eastern Star, which is strictly my own origination. 
By the aid of my papers, and the memory of Mrs. Morris, I 
recall even the trivial occurrences connected with the work — 
how I hesitated for a theme, how I dallied over a name, how I 
wrought face to face with the clock that I might keep my 
drama within due limits of time, etc. The name was first set- 
tled upon, the Eastern Star. Next the number of points, five, 
to correspond with the emblem on the masters' carpet. This 
is the pentagon, 'the signet of King Solomon,' and eminently 
proper to Adoptive Masonry." 

What Brother Morris did say in "Lights and Shadows" 
was, in part, as follows : 

"The five androgynous degrees, combined under the above 
title (the Eastern Star degrees), are supposed to have been 
introduced into this country by the French officers who assisted 
our government during the struggle for liberty. The titles, 
Jephthah's Daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa, suf- 
ficiently denote the histories comprehended in the degrees. 
. The following extracts from the published ritual, 
translated into English, are in point : 'The sisterhood of the 
Eastern Star is manifest to the world by its adoring virtues — 
five. Honor in bright loneliness is the sanctity and moral 
guarantee of all the obligations of the Eastern Star. This is 
read by the enlightened in the cabalistic motto of the Order. 
Upon that foundation (honor) stands the following pillars: — 
to be true ; to be aiding ; to be counseling ; to be loving ; to be 
secret; to be the servant of Jesus Christ. Sweet in its frag- 
rance is the memory of the worthy dead. It comes up from 
the recollection of happy hours passed in their companionship; 
it comes down in faith's joyful anticipations of reunion in the 



10 THE OEIGIN OF THE ORDEK. 

home of the Saviour. The members of the Eastern Star will 
follow to the grave's brink the forms of those who have pre- 
ceded them to a world of glory.' . . . The following 
verses are offered by the writer as an humble testimonial of 
gratitude to those who kindly instructed him in the mysteries 
of these beautiful degrees." 

Whether this can be explained as meaning what Brother 
Morris said he intended to say, I leave to my readers to judge. 
It will be noted that he makes an extract, translated into Eng- 
lish, from a ritual which was presumably, from his previous 
statement, in the French language, and it is certain that the 
quotation is not embodied in any ritual now known to exist, 
except that in the Thesauros there appears to be a reference 
to, and amplification of, a portion of it. 

In an open letter, dated Lagrange, Kentucky, October 2, 
1877, Brother Morris said : 

"1 am justified in speaking on this subject. I wrote every 
word of the original lectures and composed the songs. For 
twenty-eight years I have been communicating it as my own 
origination. I am the founder of the system, and no one can 
show any proofs of its existence prior to 1849." 

And yet Brother Morris, in the Voice of Masonry, May, 
1862, said: 

"My first regular course of lectures was given in Novem- 
ber, 1850, at CoUiersville, Tennessee. ... At Colliers- 
ville, likewise, I conferred the degrees of the Eastern Star and 
Good Samaritan. Both of these I had received some years be- 
fore, the latter by Brother Stevens, the same who presided at 
my passing and raising. The restrictions under which the 
Eastern Star was communicated to me were 'that it should only 
be given to Master Masons, their wives, widows, sisters and 
daughters, and only when five or more ladies of the classes 
named were present'; these rules I have always adhered to." 

In the first ritual published under the auspices of Brother 
Morris, The Mosaic Book, 1855, it is stated: 

"In selecting some androgynous degree, extensively known, 
ancient in date, and ample in scope, for the basis of this rite, 
the choice falls, without controversy, upon the Eastern Star. 
For this is a degree, familiar to thousands of the most enlight- 
ened York Masons and their female relatives; established in 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 11 

this country at least before 1778, and one which popularly 
bears the palm in point of doctrine and elegance over all others. 
Its scope, by the addition of a ceremonial and a few links in 
the chain of recognition, was broad enough to constitute a 
graceful and consistent system, worthy, it is believed, of the 
best intellect of either sex." 

In the Macoy Manual, 1866, it is stated that "the Order 
of the Eastern Star was established in this country during the 
year 1778," and this statement is repeated in Adoptive Rite, 
1868; but in the Macoy Ritual, 1876, it is changed to read 
''during the year 1850." In Adoptive Rite appears the fol- 
lowing note: "A. O., Anno Ordinis — Year of the Order. 
To find this date subtract 1778 from the present year." 

In the Adopted Mason, the organ of the American Adoptive 
Rite (August, 1855), of which Brother Morris was M. E. 
Grand Luminary, it is stated : 

"We seek to effect our purpose by adapting an ancient sys- 
tem to a modern use. The degree upon which the American 
Adoptive Rite is built is very ancient, more so by far than any 
other, save the York Rite, and one that carries on its very face 
indubitable marks of antiquity. It exhibits all the furrows of 
age. Its voice, solemn and impressive, comes up like the deep 
tones of the veteran, who, from the treasures of four score, 
enriches the lap of youth." 

In the Adopted Mason of January, 1856, it is stated : 

"The Heroine of Jericho, which is so strangely made a 
standard of adoption, is in itself the offspring of the present 
century, and .one of the youngest of the androgynous degrees, 
while the five degrees of the Eastern Star, the basis of the 
American Adoptive Rite, exhibit internal evidences of great 
age, and they were always considered the property of Master 
Masons, their wives, sisters and daughters." 

In the Voice of Masonry of January, 1862, Brother Morris 
said, concerning the Order, "As to its origin we know nothing 
more than its opponents." Evidently the eminent phrenolo- 
gist, Fowler, who read Brother Morris's head, was right when 
he told him, "Your memory of disconnected facts and statistics 
is poor." 



12 THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 

The fact is that Brother Morris received the Eastern Star 
degree at the hands of Giles M. Hillyer, of Vicksburg, Missis- 
sippi, about 1849. 

While recognizing the abilities and labors of Brother 
Morris in the various branches of Masonry, and more par- 
ticularly in the Eastern Star, and his many noble qualities, it 
must be acknowledged that, as to the history of the Order, his 
evidence is too conflicting to be accepted as conclusive, and we 
must turn to other sources of information. 

The Columbian Centinel, published in Boston, on February 
24, 1798, contained the following poem ascribed to a lady of 
Boston, which would indicate that something similar to the 
Eastern Star obtained in those days : 

"A Short Address From the Mistress of St. Ann's 
Lodge to the Sisters Well Met. 

Come Ladies fair 

Within this square 
Let each renew her vcfvv. 

No timid Maid 

Need be afraid 
Her sacred knees to bow. 

Since Sheba's Queen 

The first was seen 

To gain this wond'rous art. 

She made the vow 

We all do now 
And gain'd the wise King's heart. 

Let none disclose 

To secret foes 
Our tokens, words or signs; 

May heauty grace 

Each lovely face 
And wisdom guide our minds. 

May we have strength 

To gain at length 
The heavenly Lodge above. 

Brothers to meet, 

I'ho' none here greet, 
There join in mutual love. 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 13 

That sacred plan 

Held here by man 
As far beyond our reach, 

Shall to each fair 

Within this square 
There love and duty teach. 

In sacred love 

We'll join above 
The Widow's Son and Mother, 

With one accord 

We'll join the word 
To hail each sacred Brother." 

If we could accept it for what it at first appears to be, 
"The Thesatiros of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the 
Eastern Star as collected and arranged by the committee, and 
adopted by the Supreme Council in convocation, assembled 
May, 1793," an octavo pamphlet of eighteen pages, the prop- 
erty of Brother Alonzo J. Burton, Past Grand Lecturer of 
New York, and the author of the Floral Work, which purports 
to have been "Printed for the use of the fourth division U. S. 
By order of the G. L. 1850," we would have conclusive evi- 
dence of the existence of the Order in this country in the 
eighteenth century. The writer regrets that he has been un- 
able to obtain a sight of this pamphlet ; this privilege was denied 
him, although he has offered to make the trip from Indianapo- 
lis to New York for the purpose of doing so, as, having seen it, 
he would be enabled to give affirmative testimony. A reprint, 
no matter how carefully made, does not enable even an expert 
to judge of its age or authenticity. The style of type, quahty 
and finish of the paper, the manner of binding, the arrange- 
ment of matter on the pages, the spelling of words, and many 
other things would reveal, to one experienced in that line, many 
points that another, who was not, might overlook. However, 
Brother Burton has kindly furnished him a carefully edited re- 
print of it. Of it, he says, "I copied the work myself, not 
omitting a single word, nor even a puncttiation mark." It 
purports to be the fifth edition of the work, the first printed in 
1793, the third in 181 9, the fourth in 1845, and the fifth in 
1847. This pamphlet was purchased at a sale by Barker, 63 
Bleeker street. New York, November 18, 1896, and the writer 



14 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 




freely admits that he knows of no motive that would induce 
its publication for the purpose of deception merely, and there 
are some internal evidences that would indicate that it may be 
authentic, e. g.: It will be noted that on the seal of the Su- 
preme Constellation and on the Morris signet (vide illustra- 
tion, facing title) , 
^STELf,^^^^ there are emblems be- 

'V,-*'»=***"""^^^/kr?^ tween the points of the 

star, but these emblems 
are not in any way re- 
ferred to in any other 
ritual of the Order ex- 
tant, except that in the 
Book of Instructions, 
1 86 1, the apron, gloves, 
and collar are men- 
tioned as proper regalia 
to be worn by each 
lady. Each point of the 
star in the seal and sig- 
net referred to also contains a five-pointed star to which no 
reference is made in any other ritual, while in the Thesauros 
the stars are each referred to as representing something, and 
each of the five classes of regalia has a significance. In the sig- 
net the name in the first point is given as Jephthah's Daughter, 
as in the Thesauros, although in all the Morris rituals it is 
given as Adah. These variations between the seal and signet 
and his rituals would seem to indicate that Brother Morris, in 
revising the older ritual, omitted some of the emblematical 
teachings, but did not omit the emblems from the seal and 
signet. 

On the other hand there are several things that would 
throw doubt upon the authenticity of the Thesauros, e. g. : 

I. In it, extracts from the prefaces to the first and 
third editions are inserted in the fifth. The first is dated 
"Boston, Mass., May 17, 1793," and is signed by John May- 
hew, L. R. C. Jones and Robert Lennox, and attested by 
James S. Morton, S. C, as ''Unanimously adopted by the Su- 
preme Council in session, at Boston, May 18, 1793." A thor- 
ough examination of the Boston newspapers of the time fails 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 15 

to disclose any reference to such a meeting; the city directory 
of the city of Boston of that year does not show any of the 
persons whose names are given, and the records of the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts do not contain any of the names 
among the Hst of members of the lodges in that jurisdiction. 

2. The legal money in the United States in 1793 was the 
present decimal system, but the ''money of accounts" was in a 
transition state, the papers of the day giving quotations some- 
times in decimal, and sometimes in sterling money. In the 
Thesauros it is provided "The membership fee shall not exceed 
ten nor be less than two shillings sterling." Is it supposable 
that a national body, meeting at a time when, to say the least, 
sterling money was passing into disuse, would have established 
the fee in that money, rather than in the decimal, which was 
the legal money, and which its members must have known 
would come into exclusive use very soon? In the Thesauros 
it is also stated : 

''The districts according to the distribution of 1845 was as 
follows: District i, New England and New York; District 2, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia; 
District 3, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missis- 
sippi; District 4, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, 
Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina. The sev- 
eral Territories to accompany the States to which they are con- 
tiguous." 

It will be noticed that in this distribution Indiana is 
omitted, while Iowa, which was then a Territory and contained 
but four chartered lodges, occupies the place Indiana naturally 
would. It is probable that in the original the contraction "la.," 
which was then a recognized designation for Indiana, was used, 
and that Brother Burton, thinking Iowa was meant, made his 
reprint to conform to his understanding. If that is the case 
what becomes of his assurance respecting his carefully edited 
reprint ? 

Whatever excuse there may have been for such a provision 
in 1793, it could certainly not have existed when the fifth edi- 
tion was endorsed in 1847 "for the use of the fourth division 
U. S.," in a large proportion of which territory sterling money 
had never been used. 



16 THE ORIGIX or THE ORDEE. 

3. The preface to the fifth edition is dated '"New York, 
Dec. 12, 1847," and is signed ''H. H. Sandifer, Secretary." 
December 12, 1847, was Sunday, and neither the city directo- 
ries of New York from 1840 to 1850, nor the records of the 
Grand Lodge of New York for the same period, display the 
name of H. H. Sandifer. The genealogical records in the 
libraries of Indianapolis and Chicago have been searched, but, 
although members of the Jones, Lennox, Morton and other 
families named have been discovered, no trace has been found 
of those whose names appear. The city directories of the 
forty principal cities in the country have been searched, but in 
only two of them, Indianapolis and Denver, does the name of 
Sandifer appear, and investigation has discovered that they are 
either colored people or Carolinians, with no knowledge of an 
Eastern branch of the family. 

4. As to the orthography 'of such words as honor, hon- 
orable, Savior and labor, in the reprint they are all spelled 
without a "u." I regret that inquiry of Brother Burton upon 
this point has elicited no information other than that the reprint 
is an accurate reproduction of the original, for if the ''u" is 
omitted it would be strong evidence that the pamphlet was not 
printed as early as it purports to have been. 

5. The adoption of the Thesauros in 1793 is attested by 
James S. Morton, S. C, while the regulations provided for no 
such officer, the chief being Great Luminary, and the letters S. 
C. are specifically interpreted therein as standing for Supreme 
Council. 

6. According to the Thesauros the Supreme Council con- 
sisted as ''a Great Luminary and four Deputy Luminaries," 
Avhile the committee that reported the Thesauros was composed 
of three members, who reported to themselves and two others ! 

7. The title page says ''Copyright secured," without giv- 
ing date of same, or stating by whom copyrighted, although 
the law of Congress required that both should be given, and 
the universal form found in all copyrighted books before the 
revision of the law, about 1870, was "Entered according to the 

act of Congress, in the District Court for the district of 

, by , 18 — ." I am assured by Thorvald Solberg. 

Register of Copyrights : "The record of copyrights in the 
district of Massachusetts for 1793 does not contain any entry 



THE ORIGIN OF THE OKDER. 17 

of Thesauros of the ancient honorable Order of the Eastern 
Star,'' and that "The indices of the copyright records of the 
Southern district of New York do not show any entry of the 
book either in 1847 ^^ 1850." 

Ah the facts obtainable that would throw any light upon 
the Thesauros have been set forth, and the reader will have to 
judge for himself as to what weight is to be given to it. Au- 
thentic or not, it is an interesting document, and in this history 
it will be further referred to. 

After reviewing all the facts it must be concluded that 
Brother Morris did not originate the ritual of the Order, but 
that, receiving the degrees by communication, as above stated, 
and taking the ritual as used before he took up the occupation 
of a Masonic lecturer, he embellished and adorned it, and 
started the Order toward systematic organization. Certainly, 
as it at present exists in this country. Brother Morris was the 
master builder, and that ought to be enough glory, without his 
claiming or having ascribed to him the origination of the de- 
gree, which is still often done by those holding high official 
positions in the Order — even in the General Grand Chapter. 

S. Baring Gould has written a very interesting volume on 
the myths of the middle ages, but the myths of Masonry are 
still awaiting the touch of a master hand. The paper. The 
Eastern Star, in its issue for December, 1900, had a communi- 
cation signed '*A Sister," wherein it was stated : 

''Order of the Eastern Star, the English name given to 
Adoptive Masonry in England and this country, was intro- 
duced into this country in 1780. George Washington and La- 
fayette constituted the first chapter. The ritual was, however, 
so dramatic, and required such gorgeous robes, that it gradu- 
ally lost its hold upon the people until our late brother, Robert 
Morris, revised the ritual, reinstituting the Order, bringing it 
to a point of perfection unknown in the past." 

While the writer could hardly credit the statement that 
Washington and Lafayette had found time and opportunity, in 
1780, even if they had the disposition, to introduce the English 
rite of adoption, he could not let such a positive statement go 
without investigation. Through the courtesy of Sister Rans- 
ford, the editor of The Eastern Star, he was furnished the ad- 
dress of ''A Sister," who kindly responded to his inquiries, 



18 THE OEIGIX OF THE ORDER. 

and referred him to a "Dictionary of Masonic Lore," in the 
Masonic Librar\' at Colorado Springs, Colorado, for confirma- 
tion of her assertions; but investigation failed to discover a 
]\Iasonic librar}' in that cit\', or any one there who had knowl- 
edge of such a book ; nor could any trace of it be found by in- 
quiry of the most noted ^lasonic librarians in the countr\\ 
His inquiries of the brother who loaned the sister the publica- 
tion brought the information that it was loaned to an unknown 
party. Col. Theo. H. Emmons, librarian of the Lawrence Ma- 
sonic Library, probably the most complete [Masonic librarv^ in 
the world, informs me he has never heard of a book bearing 
the alleged title. 

Lafayette, the bearer of information of the m.ost m^oment- 
ous character to Washington from France, arrived at Wash- 
ington's headquarters, ^lay lo, 1780, and remained four days, 
going from, thence to Philadelphia to communicate with Con- 
gress, returning to [Morristown, May 31, where he remained 
until July ^22.. During this time we are told that the Conti- 
nental army was in a most terrible condition and suffering 
every privation, going often five or six days without bread 
and tw^o or three days without either bread or meat, AVashing- 
ton saying that the men had eaten ever}- kind of horse feed 
except hay. August 7 Lafayette returned to the army and 
occupied himself in organizing and equipping a battalion of 
light infantrs' with which he led the advance guard of the 
arm}^ September 6 he participated in a council of general 
officers, and on the i8th went with Washington to Hartford 
for a conference of war; on the 25th the knowledge of 
Arnold's treason burst upon them, and on the 29th Lafayette 
sat as a member of the court-martial that condemned Andre. 
He was busy with militarv^ plans and operations until the army 
went into winter quarters in November, when he obtained 
leave of absence, went to Philadelphia, and remained away 
the balance of the year. During all this time Washington was 
carr\nng a burden of responsibility- such as few men have ever 
borne, and was sleeplessly vigilant in his efforts to continue 
Clinton cooped up in New York. Can we believe that in the 
busy weeks when Lafayette was with the army these two men 
organized an Eastern Star chapter "with gorgeous robes," 
when the army was going half-clad in rags? Thorough in- 



THE ORIGIN OF THE ORDER. 19 

vestigation only confirms me in the assertion made in the first 
paragraph of this chapter, that the Eastern Star is the peer of 
any Masonic organization in the mystery surrounding its 
origin. 



CHAPTER II 




SUPREME BODIES. 

SUPKEME COUNCIL NO. 1. 

CCORDING to the Thesauros, the entire govern- 
ment of the Order was vested in the Supreme 
Council, which consisted of five persons ''holding 
their stations during good behavior." It was to 
meet "quintennially at such times and places as 
may be previously designated." Through its Deputy Luminary 
it granted authority to confer the degrees, and provided that 
five or more worthy sisters might petition for a charter in the 
manner following: 

"To the D. L. of District : 

"We, the undersigned members of the Ancient and Honor- 
able Order of the Eastern Star, have seen the rays five, and 
are enlightened by the glory thereof. They have advocated 
the claims of the Order in public and in private ; yielded their 
first fruits to charity, according to the commandment ; and now 
that they may gain increased ability for the good work of the 
Order, do offer this petition, that a charter may be issued, en- 
abling them to unite their rays into a Constellation, to be en- 
titled the Constellation, No. — , State of . 

They promise obedience to the constitutional requirements of 
the Order and to frame their By-Laws in accordance with the 
Ancient Constitution. The following oflficers to hold their 
stations until others are elected according to the Constitution 
and By-Laws, to wit : S. P. : V. P. ; R. B. ; R. O. ; R. W. 

"Dated at the dav A. D. 

"A, B, 
"C, D, &c. 
"Vouched for by N. R., A. D. L." 

It was further provided that upon the receipt of the above 
petition "a charter will be issued under the great seal of the 
Supreme Council, countersigned by the Deputy Luminary in 
the form and style following, to-wit : 



22 SUPREME BODIES. 

" 'Light is sorrow for the righteous, and gladness for the 
upright in heart.' 

''To all to whom these presents shall come, the Supreme 
Council of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Eastern 
Star sendeth light, peace and love. Know ye, that on the pe- 
tition of the worthy Sisters A, B, C, D, &c., resident at F, and 

on the avouching of Brother G. H., acting D. L. of 

District, who guarantees the illumination and the worthiness 
of the petitioners, the S. C. has granted and by these presents 
doth grant to the sisters aforesaid this charter, authorizing 
them to form a Constellation of the Eastern Star at or near 
the town of F, to be opened by any A. D. L., duly authorized, 
and to be governed by the following officers until others are 
regularly elected, to-wit : S. P. ; V. P. ; R. B. ; R. O. ; R. W. ; 
R. G. ; R. R. ; T. ; S. And we further ordain and declare that 
this Constellation shall be known and held as Constel- 
lation No. — of the State of . 

"Hereby authorizing the sisters aforesaid, in the capacity 
of a Constellation, to elect members ; enact By-Laws subordi- 
nate to the Ancient Constitution of the Order; to suspend or 
expel unworthy members; and do such other acts and things 
as tend to the good of Order and the interests of the religion 
of Christ. They to be obedient to rule; attached, the one to 
the other; pure in heart and life; -faithful to Him whose Star 
in the East they have beheld; and hospitable to all who love 
the truth; and so conducting, this charter to them and their 
successors is perpetual. 

"Signed at the seat of light and authority, to wit : the 

day of A. D. 

- G. L. 

" [Locus Sigillum. ] D. L. 

* "_ District U. S." 

SUPREME CONSTELLATION. 

In 1855 Rob Morris inaugurated a Supreme Constellation, 
claiming that "no such attempt upon a national basis has here- 
tofore been made in America." The Mosaic Book stated that : 

"The Supreme Constellation was, at the organization of the 
rite, a self-assumed body, and will so continue during a period 
sufficiently protracted to test the merits of the American Adopt- 
ive Rite, and afford experience as a basis of its improvement. 



SUPREME BODIES. 23 

The constitution and edicts of this body constitute the supreme 
law of the Order, both to individual members and to Constel- 
lations; and its acts will establish precedents for the parlia- 
mentary usages, &c., of the Order." 

Of this body Rob Morris was Most Enlightened Grand 
Luminary ; Joel M. Spiller, Delphi, Indiana, Right Enlightened 
Deputy Grand Luminary and Grand Lecturer; Jonathan R. 
Neill, New York^ Very Enlightened Grand Treasurer; John 
W. Leonard, New York, Very Enlightened Grand Secretary; 
and Very Enlightened Deputy Grand Luminaries were ap- 
pointed as follows : 

New Jersey, and pro tern, for New England — James B. 
Taylor, Newark. 

New York — Thomas C. Edwards, Elmira. 

Indiana — Joel M. Spiller, Delphi. 

Iowa — L. D. Parmer, Muscatine. 

Kentucky — John Scott, Flemingsburg. 

Georgia — M. B. Franklin, Atlanta. 

Missouri — M. J. F. Leonard, at large. 

Right Eminent Deputy Grand Luminaries were also 
named : 

Illinois, Fourth District — Harmon G. Reynolds, Knoxville. 

Kentucky — James G. Gorsuch, Portland; W. C. Munger, 
Covington. 

The form of petition for a charter, to be signed by at least 
five Master Masons, was as follows : 
"To the M. E. Grand Luminary of the Supreme Constellation 

of the American Adoptive Rite : 

"We, the undersigned, affiliated Master Masons, members 
in good standing of the lodge whose title is affixed to our 
names, being desirous of associating ourselves with a Constel- 
lation of the American Adoptive Rite, do pray your Most 
Eminent body to grant us a charter for that purpose, under the 

title of Constellation No. — , to be holden at . 

We pledge our Masonic faith, if the prayer of our petition is 
granted, to submit to the requirements of the Supreme Con- 
stellation in all things relative to this rite ; and should the Con- 
stellation herein prayed for fail to be organized, or at any time 
hereafter be dissolved, we will return the charter and hue 
books to the V. E. Grand Secretarv." 



24 SUPREME BODIES. 

The charter, which, together with five hue books, cost ten 
dollars, was lithographed in colors in the highest style of the 
art then known, by Sarony & Co., of New York, and is herein 
reproduced in fac simile. The significance of the emblems in 
the border will be found explained under the head: "The 
Mosaic Book." 

The body of it reads as follows : 

" 'We have seen His Star in the East and are come to 
worship.' 

'Tn the name and by the authority of the Supreme Constel- 
lation of the American Adoptive Rite. 
"To all to whom these presents may come and especially to 
our well beloved and enlightened Stellae and Protectors every- 
where. 

GREETING. 

"Whereas a petition has been presented to our M. E. Grand 

Luminary of the American Adoptive Rite by 

affiliated Master Masons and members in good standing in 

their respective lodges residing at or near the town of , 

praying that they may be authorized to organize and work as a 
Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite, under the title 
of Constellation No. — , and it appearing for the inter- 
est of Adoptive Masonry that their petition should be granted 
now 

"Know Ye that We, the Supreme Constellation of the 
American Adoptive Rite, invested with full power and author- 
ity over all Stellse and Protectors and the Supreme Court of 
Appeal in all cases relative to adoption, do hereby authorize 

and empower our well beloved and enlightened Pillars 

Heleon; Philomath; Verger; Herald, 

and Warder, to open and hold a Constellation by the 

name of Constellation No. — , the said Constellation to 

be holden at or within five miles of the same. And 

we do likewise authorize our said Pillars to associate with 
them in the work and discipline of Adoption in said Constel- 
lation the following Correspondents to-wit: Luna, 

Flora, Hebe, Thetis and Areme. 

And we do further authorize and empower our said Pillars to 
confer the five degrees of the American Adoptive Rite, accord- 
ing to the ceremonial and lectures approved by the Supreme 




CONSTELLATION CHARTER 



SUPREME BODIES. 25 

Constellation, upon all worthy applicants possessing the con- 
stitutional qualifications for the same. And we do further 
authorize and empower our said Pillars, and their legal suc- 
cessors in office, to hear all and singular matters and things 
relative to the American Adoptive Rite, within the jurisdiction 
of said Constellation. 

''And lastly we do further authorize, empower and direct 
our said well beloved and enlightened Pillars to elect and reject 
applicants at their discretion; to elect and instruct their suc- 
cessors in office subject to our approval and confirmation, and 
to perform all matters and things pertaining to and provided 
in the American Adoptive Rite. 

"Provided ahvays that the above named Pillars and their 
successors do pay, and cause to be paid, due respect and obedi- 
ence to the M. E. Supreme Constellation of the American 
Adoptive Rite, and to the by-laws, rules, regulations and edicts 
thereof, otherwise this charter to be of no force or virtue. 

''Given under the hands of our Grand Officers and the seal 

of our Supreme Constellation at the City of , this 

day of , Anno Domini i8 — . 

" Grand Luminaiy. 

" ■ Grand Secretary." 

A Constellation was composed of five or more of each sex, 
but no more than twenty-five of each sex, in addition to the 
Pillars and Correspondents, could be members of the same 
Constellation at the same time, but two or more Constellations 
could be connected with the same lodge. Vigorous work was 
done in disposing of charters, so that by December 25, 1855, 
sevent3^-five had been granted, as follows : 

Alabama — Venus No. 11, New Market. 

Arkansas — Evening Star No. 16, Alorristown. 

California — A'lorning Star No. 44, Grass Valley; Orion 
No. 57, Mariposa. 

Connecticut — Morning Star No. 48, Fair Haven. 

Florida — Electa No. 11, Tallahassee; Flora No. 21, Uchee 
Anna. 

Georgia — Virgo No. 4, Woodstock; Magnolia No. 5, Hills- 
boro; Rose No. 39, Whitesville ; Electa No. 58, Cedartown. 

Indiana — White Rose No. 3, Crown Point; Jessamine No. 
8, Moore's Hill; Cassiopeia No. 28, Cambridge City; North 



26 SUPREME BODIES. 

Salem No. 36, North Salem; New Albany No. 160, New Al- 
bany; Newman No. 161, Milton. 

Illinois — Griggsville No. 10, Griggsville; Orion No. 15, 
Sycamore; Flora No. 18, Pecatonica; Pittsfield No. 56, Pitts- 
field; Friendship No. 65, Knoxville; Rose of Sharon No. 67, 
Tipton. 

Iowa — Electa Morris No. 66, Muscatine; Violet No. 68, 
Iowa City. 

Kentucky — Purity No. I, Lodge; Vesta No. 7, Burling- 
ton; Covington No. 60, Covington. 

Louisiana — Cassiopeia No. 32, Lisbon. 

Maine — Moriah No. 19, Denmark; Corona No. 22, Water- 
ville. 

Michigan — Buchanan No. 20, Buchanan; Western Star 
No. 61, Litchfield. 

Missouri — Flora No. 13, New Madrid; Hesperus No. 17, 
Charlestown; Lyra No. 24, Arcadia; Morning Star No. 25, 
Caledonia; Cassiopeia No. 26, Potosi; Eastern Star No. 30, 
Frederickstown ; Evening Star No. 31, Franklin; Western 
Star No. 33, Pauldingville ; Prudence No. 34, Marthasville ; 
Pleiades No. 37, Mexico; Mary Washington No. 38, Florida; 
Martha No. 40, Madison; Robert Burns No. 42, Fulton; 
Astrea No. 43, Fayette; Rob Morris No. 45, Spring Hill; 
Esther No. 46, Pattonburg; Ruth No. 47, Gallatin; Nannie 
No. 49, Windsor City; Mary Anna No. 50, Roanoke; Mary 
Washington No. 52, Haynesville ; Martha Washington No. 54, 
Richmond; Rose No. 59, Clinton; Louisa No. 162, Dekalb; 
Lucinda No. 164, Ridgeley; Hebe No. 167, Rochester; La- 
fayette No. 168, Palmyra; Hannah No. 169, Trenton. 

Mississippi — Concordia No. 6, Tallaloosa; Ripley No, 41, 
Ripley; Hebron No. 55, Hebron. 

New York — Orion No. 9, Evans; Purity No. 2y, Spencer; 
Speedsville No. 29, Speedsville. 

North Carolina — Hookerton No. 63, Hookerton. 

Pennsylvania — Towanda No. 166, Towanda. 

Texas — Lavacia No. 23, Hallettsville ; Lily No. 35, Sabine 
Pass; Pleiades No. 51, Texana; Mount Horeb No. 165, Gabriel 
Mills. 

Vermont — Irene No. 53, Swanton Falls. 

Wisconsin — Lake Mills No. 171, Lake Mills. 



SUPREME BODIES. 27 

Some time in 1857 James B. Taylor succeeded to the office 
of V. E. Grand Secretary; and, in all, nearly three hundred 
Constellations were organized, the records of which are not at 
hand, but they included in addition to those named above : 

Mendias No. i, Wyandotte, Kansas, July 28, 1856; Alpha 
No. I, New London, Connecticut, chartered January 15, 1857, 
organized March 9; Acacia, Clifton, Tennessee; Decatur, In- 
diana, 1866, and Stevenson, Alabama. 

SUPREME COUNCIL NO. 2. 

It was claimed by the members of the Supreme Constella- 
tion that Brother Morris pledged himself to desist conferring 
the Eastern Star degree, except in Constellations, but that 
within two weeks after making this pledge he issued a circular, 
which he sent over the country, offering to forward to any 
Master Mason in good standing the necessary information to 
enable him to confer the degree, upon his remitting to him a 
fee of three dollars, and that the Supreme Constellation, on 
discovering what it deemed to be a lack of good faith on the 
part of the M. E. Grand Luminary, repudiated him, and at- 
tempted a reorganization under the name of Supreme Council 
of the Ancient Rite of Adoptive Masonry for North America, 
and adopted rituals adapted from an European system, in 
which there were two branches, consisting of Constellations 
and Temples of Enlightenment. In justice to Brother Morris 
it should be mentioned that the Mosaic Book, which was the 
ritual of the Supreme Constellation, specifically stated that ''the 
inherent right which Master Masons possessed to communi- 
cate the degree remains forever unchanged, nor does the Su- 
preme Constellation presume to interfere with it." Of the 
Supreme Council, James B. Taylor became Grand Secretary. 
If the Supreme Constellation was a self -perpetuating body, the 
Supreme Council was more. Not only was it self -perpetuat- 
ing, but its membership was unknown to any but the chosen 
few, and all communication with it had to be through the 
Grand Secretary, wJio would not even disclose the number and 
location of its subordinate bodies. Although it attempted to 
maintain an existence as late as 1876, it is not believed that it 
really had any substantial being. 



28 SUPREME BODIES. 

EASTERN STAR FAMILIES. 

Upon the disruption of the Supreme Constellation the rec- 
ords and seal remained in the hands of tha former V. E. Grand 
Secretary, but the supply of very elaborately lithographed 
charters was in the possession of Brother Morris, who, in i860, 
set about organizing families of the Eastern Star, issuing to 
them charters of the old form, the reason for which he gave 
as follows : 

"The use of the old form of charter is continued, although 
the association governed by the Supreme Constellation has 
ceased to exist. This is done to show that the two systems of 
'Constellations' and 'Families' are identical in spirit, the latter 
having taken the place of the former. It serves further to 
show that the thousands of ladies who were introduced to the 
advantage of Adoptive Masonry under the former system re- 
tain their privileges under the latter." 

In the Family, under this charter, Heleon was Patron; 
Philomath, Conductor; Verger, Treasurer; Herald, Recorder; 
Warder, Watchman ; Luna, Patroness ; Flora, Conductress. 
Under this system, if it can be called a system, the charter was 
signed by Rob Morris as M. E. Grand Luminary, and, con- 
cerning the signature of the V. E. Grand Secretary, it was 
stated : 

''The Recorder of the Family is authorized to sign his 
name as Grand Secretary at the bottom of the charter, adding 
'p. t.' {pro tempore) to his signature." 

And it was required that 

"The names of all ladies and gentlemen receiving the de- 
gree in the Family . . . must be entered on the records by 
the Recorder, and certified lists promptly forwarded to the 
Grand Patron." 

From the above it will be seen that there was really no or- 
ganization; that the only head was Brother Morris, and that 
there was little or no cohesiveness to the Order. Something 
over one hundred Families were organized between i860 and 
1867, but no complete record of them has been preserved, if 
one was ever made. 

I know of only the following: Rose of Sharon No. 4, 
"held at T. B. Dunigan's House," Annapolis, Indiana, or- 
ganized January 15, 1861 ; Plymouth No. 41, Plymouth, In- 



SUPREME BODIES. 29 

diana, organized June 25, 1864; Friendship No. 103, Brooklyn, 
New York, organized January 25, 1866; Sunbeam No. 83, Mt. 
Vernon, Indiana, organized April 19, 1866; Miriam No. iii, 
Chicago, Illinois, organized October 6, 1866; Rob Morris No. 
100, Rochester, Indiana, organized December 20, 1866; Orion 
No. 102, Rensselaer, Indiana, organized February 27, 1867; 
and families of Davenport, Iowa; Wyoming, IlHnois, and 
Hazleton, Indiana, the numbers and dates of organization of 
which are unknown. The numbers, it will be seen, are no 
guide as to order of organization. 

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. 

In 1868 Brother Morris resolved to devote the balance of 
his life to Masonic explorations in the Holy Land, and, as was 
claimed by Robert Macoy, of New York, turned over to him 
the prerogatives he had assumed in the Order. Previous to 
this, in 1866, Brother Macoy had arranged a ]\Ianual of the 
Order of the Eastern Star, which was published by the Masonic 
Publishing and Manufacturing Company, and zvas not copy- 
righted; in this he styled himself ''National Grand Secretary." 
Brother Macoy attempted to keep up the semblance of a su- 
preme body, calling the same a Supreme Grand Chapter, of 
which he styled himself, in the Adoptive Rite, copyrighted and 
published by the Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Com- 
pany of New York, in which he was a partner, the "Grand Sec- 
retary." This title he retained in published rituals emanating 
from that company up to 1876, when he assumed the title of 
''Supreme Grand Patron." 

Petitions for charters, as prescribed in Adoptive Rite, were 
addressed to the M. E. Grand Patron of the Supreme Grand 
Chapter of the Adoptive Rite of the Order of the Eastern 
Star, and the charters issued were in the following form : 

''order of the eastern star. 

" 'We have seen His Star in the East and are come to 
worship Him.' 
"To all to whom these presents may come — Greeting : 

"In the name and by the authority of the Supreme Grand 
Chapter of the Adoptive Rite, known by the distinctive title of 
tlie Order of the Eastern Star. Whereas, a petition has been 

presented to us by Sisters , who, having received, in a 

legal manner, all the degrees of the Order, and being the 



30 



SUPREME BODIES. 



of Master Masons in good standing in their respective 

lodges, praying for a warrant authorizing them to establish a 
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, under the title of 

Chapter No. — , to be held in , County of 

, State of , and it appearing for the interest of 

the Adoptive Rite that their petition should be granted ; 

"Know ye, that we, the M. E. Grand Patron and Grand 
Secretary, by authority of the Constitution of the Supreme 
Grand Chapter, do hereby grant the prayer of said petitioners, 
and, that the organization may be complete, do appoint Brother 

, a Master Mason, Worthy Patron; Sister , 

, Associate Matron, of said 



Worthy Matron^ and Sister 

Chapter. 

"And we do further authorize and empower our said Pa- 
tron and sisters to confer the five degrees of the Adoptive 
Rite, according to the ceremonial and lectures approved by the 
Supreme Grand Chapter, upon all worthy applicants possess- 
ing the constitutional qualifications for the same. And we do 
further authorize and empower our said sisters, and their legal 
successors, to do and perform all and singular matters and 
things relative to the Adoptive Rite within the jurisdiction of 
said chapter. And they are further authorized to elect and 
reject applicants at their discretion; by and with the consent 
and assistance of a majority of the members of the said Chap- 
ter present upon such occasions, duly summoned, to elect and 
install the officers of the said Chapter, as vacancies may hap- 
pen, in manner and form as is or may be prescribed by the Con- 
stitution of the Supreme Grand 
Chapter. 

"Given under our hands and the 
seal of the Supreme Grand Chap- 
ter, this — day of in the 

year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and — . 




'M. E. Grand Patron. 



"Grand Secretary." 
These charters were issued for some seven hundred chap- 
ters, located in part as follows : 



SUPREME BODIES. 



31 



Alabama i 

Arkansas 5 

California 1 1 

Colorado 2 

Connecticut 12 

Dakotah 2 

District of Columbia.... i 

Florida i 

Illinois 181 

Indiana 25 

Iowa 54 

Kansas 82 

Kentucky 2 

Massachusetts '. . . . 5 

Michigan 2 

Mississippi 7 

Missouri 144 

Maine i 

Total 



Minnesota 11 

Nevada i 

Nebraska 12 

New Hampshire 4 

New Jersey 5 

New York 20 

North Carolina 12 

Oregon 4 

Ohio I 

Pennsylvania 3 

South Carolina 9 

Texas 8 

Tennessee 3 

Virginia . 2 

Vermont 6 

Wisconsin i 

Washington Territory ... i 



641 



The foreign market was also cultivated, as will appear 
from the following : 

'Tn 1868, Bro. Andres Cassard, with authenticated powers 
as Deputy Grand Patron for the South American coun- 
tries, made an extended tour through Havana, Cuba, New 
Grenada, Venezuela, Chili, Uruguay, Brazil, portions of Mex- 
ico, and other parts of South America, where he successfully 
established many chapters. . . . Through the active exer- 
tions of Bro. Henry J. Shields, Deputy Grand Patron for 
England, Ireland and Scotland, three chapters have been or- 
ganized." — Robert Macoy's Report on Correspondence, Grand 
Chapter of New York, 1876. 

''On the 8th of March last (1877), Bro. Andres Cas- 
sard appointed, with our concurrence. Dr. David E. Dudley, a 
Deputy Grand Patron, with ample authority to confer the de- 
grees upon worthy and qualified persons, and establish chap- 
ters in Egypt, China, Japan, Philippine Islands, Singapore, 
Calcutta, Bombay, and several of the chief towns on the island 
of Java." — Robert Macoy's Correspondence Report, Grand 
Chapter of New York, 1877. 



32 SUPREME BODIES. 

In Macoy's Standard it is asserted : 

"More than fifty Chapters were organized by Brother An- 
dres Cassard, Associate Grand Patron, in Cuba, Mexico, Cen- 
tral and South America, in 187 1." 

While Edward O. Jenkins was Grand Patron of New York 
(1871), as well as before and subsequent to that time, he 
signed charters in blank, as M. E. Grand Patron, which were 
countersigned by Brother Macoy as Grand Secretary, who 
disposed of them, sometimes through his agents, who were 
styled Deputy Grand Patrons, and whom he appointed for 
different States, and supplied with blank charters, rituals, and 
other supplies, and who, in some instances, traveled constantly, 
and did a flourishing business. At other times he sold them 
directly to petitioners at from ten to thirty dollars each. The 
charters signed by Brother Jenkins were sold as late as 1873. 
Not desiring to do injustice to any one, even by implication, I 
quote from a letter of Brother Jenkins : 

''All business matters were attended to by the Grand Secre- 
tary, Robert Macoy. I never received one penny in any shape 
or form for charters, or anything else, nor desired to." 

Subsequently, as early as 1876, and as late as 1880, the 
charters were signed by Brother Macoy as M. E. Grand Patron 
and Rob Morris as Grand Secretary, but on most of them the 
name of Rob Morris was in the disguised handwriting of 
Brother Macoy. 

In 1879 and 1880 the Grand Chapter of New York issued 
three charters, on the blank forms of the Supreme Grand Chap- 
ter, to Alpha Chapter No. i, located at Baltimore, Maryland; 
Arcadia Chapter No. 3, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Alpha 
Chapter No. i, located at Laramie, Wyoming, which are be- 
lieved to be the only instances in which a State Grand Chapter 
his issued a charter for the organization of a Chapter outside 
its territorial jurisdiction, with the exception of Mississippi, 
which chartered a Chapter in Florida, 1876, previous to the 
organization of the General Grand Chapter, and California, 
which has chartered Chapters in Nevada, the General Grand 
Chapter having turned the three Chapters chartered by it in 
that state over to the care of the Grand Chapter of California. 
This was three years subsequent to the organization of the 
General Grand Chapter, which has jurisdiction over all terri- 



SUPREME BODIES. 33 

tory not within the immediate jurisdiction of some Grand 
Chapter. These charters were filled up in the handwriting of 
Brother Macoy. 

According to Brother Macoy, the Constitution of the Su- 
preme Grand Chapter was never printed, and the only indica- 
tion we have that such a document existed is found in the Pro- 
ceedings of the Grand Chapter of Indiana at its meeting for 
organization, in which appear some "Extracts from the Con- 
stitution of the Supreme Grand Chapter, United States, Order 
of the Eastern Star.'' It will be noticed that this publication 
was in 1874, a year after the alleged organization of the Su- 
preme Council No. 3, in provisional form, and the extracts 
were undoubtedly furnished to Brother Leach, who was the 
deputy of Brother Macoy, and who was chosen the first Grand 
Patron of Indiana, by Brother Macoy himself. The efforts 
made by the officers of Grand Chapters to obtain copies of the 
entire document met with failure ; and it is evident that the ex- 
istence of the Supreme Grand Chapter was purely imaginary, 
the whole work, authority and emoluments being done and en- 
joyed by Brother Macoy. These extracts were as follows : 

"preamble. 
"To give cosmopolitan extension and practical uniformity 
to that branch of the Adoptive Rite which is embodied under 
the title of the Eastern Star; to redeem it from the hands of 
empirics and irresponsible persons ; and that its scriptural and 
traditional landmarks may be rendered more attractive and 
better understood ; the Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, is 
hereby established under the following constitution : 

"constitution. 

"Article I. Primary Source of Government. 

"Section i. The primary source of government of the 

Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, rests in the Supreme 

Grand Chapter of the United States, whose times and place of 

meeting are regulated at the Grand Assemblages. 

"meetings. 
"Sec. 2. The meeting of the Supreme Grand Chapter 
shall occur triennially, on the first Monday in September, at 
such place as may be designated at a previous meeting. At 



34 SUPREME BODIES. 

such meeting all the affairs of the Adoptive Rite shall be regu- 
lated, its rituals revised whenever experience renders it expedi- 
ent, its officers elected and installed, and measures taken suit- 
able to the dignity and importance of the Order for its dis- 
semination into all parts of the country. 

''Article II. State Grand Chapters. 
"Sec. 5. 'in each State jurisdiction, when not less than 
five Chapters are regularly at work, a Grand Chapter may be 
organized by the concurrence of the representatives of five 
such Chapters of the Order. 

"Sec. 10. The rituals to be used under authority of the 
Supreme Grand Chapter shall be those now in use, prepared 
under the supervision of the Supreme Grand Secretary, and no 
changes, additions or emendations shall be made, except by the 
direct authority of the Supreme Grand Chapter, in regular con- 
vention assembled. 

"charters, rituals, etc. 

"Sec. II. Charters shall be issued, rituals distributed, and 
the general direction of the Order exercised during the recess 
of the assemblages of the Supreme Grand Chapter, by order of 
the M. E. Grand Patron, through the Grand Secretary." 

At the time of the publication of these extracts Brother 
Macoy was acting as chairman of a committee of the Grand 
Chapter of New York to revise the ritual, in violation of the 
tenth section. Evidently he did not deem it of any force. 

SUPREME COUNCIL NO. 3. 

June 14, 1873, there was a meeting in New York for the 
purpose of forming the General Grand Council of Royal and 
Select Masters, at which there were in attendance several 
brethren interested in the Eastern Star, and, at a conference 
held by them, preliminary steps were taken looking to the or- 
ganization of a Supreme Grand Council of the Order for the 
world, and a provisional organization was had, with Robert 
Macoy as Supreme Grand Patron; Frances E. Johnson, of 
New York, Supreme Grand Matron; Andres Cassard, Asso- 
ciate Supreme Grand Patron ; John L. Power, of Mississippi, 
Deputy Supreme Grand Patron ; Laura L. Burton, of Missis- 



SUPREME BODIES. 35 

sippi, Deputy Supreme Grand Matron; W. A. Prall, of Mis- 
souri, Supreme Treasurer; Rob Morris, Supreme Recorder; 
P. M. Savery, of Mississippi, Supreme Inspector. Other offi- 
cers included E. E. Edminston, of Tennessee, and Julian K. 
Larke, of New York. Concerning this provisional organiza- 
tion Brother Savery said, in 1875 : 

"The committee on constitution and regulations were to 
report at an adjourned meeting to be held in New York in 
September, in 1873. ... As the committee failed to re- 
port, the provisional Grand Council was, at New Orleans, De- 
cember, 1874 (the time and place at which the organization 
was to have been completed), pronounced dead." 

Brother Power, Grand Patron of Mississippi, March 12, 
1875, said: 

'T have the honor to be Deputy Supreme Patron for all 
this continent, and as I see no prospect of ever having a meet- 
ing of the Supreme Council ... I consider myself 
functus officio. Indeed, the matter of dissolving the Supreme 
Grand Council was discussed and agreed upon in New Orleans 
in December last by several whose names figure in the organ- 
ization of 1873." 

That no attempt was made to give Brother Macoy even the 
semblance of authority, until after the question of organizing 
a legitimate governing body for the Order was raised, is evi- 
dent from the fact that, in an article emanating from him in 
1878, it is stated: 

"The appointment of Supreme Patron was conferred at a 
convention of delegates from several states, held in the city 
of New York, June 14, 1873, by unanimous election, letters 
patent, and subsequent installation." 

The "subsequent installation," as appears by the same 
article, was not because he had been elected "at a convention of 
delegates," but by authority of a letter from Rob Morris, 
dated Lagrange, Kentucky, April 29, 1875, addressed to Prof. 
Andres Cassard, New York, authorizing him to install "Very 
Illustrious Robert Maco}^ as my successor in the position of 
Supreme Patron of the World, Adoptive Rite," which it was 
claimed was done May 3, 1875, ^i^^ months after the begin- 
ning of the movement to organize a legitimate governing body. 



36 SUPREME BODIES. 

During this period the laws and jurisprudence of the Order 
were in a chaotic condition. There was no written law, out- 
side the little contained in the ritual then in use, and this lack 
had given rise to various modes of action on the same subject. 
It was almost the universal rule that "males" should pay at 
least double the fees and dues that "females" did. Notwith- 
standing this, there was, with many, a disposition to deprive 
them of any rights in a Chapter. A considerable number of 
sisters insisted that they should not vote, either on petitions or 
for officers, and the exercise of what he deemed his right to 
the ballot by the writer, in December, 1873, created some dis- 
cussion, and when the Grand Chapter of Indiana was organ- 
ized, in May, 1874, sixteen so-called landmarks were incorpo- 
rated into its constitution, fifteen of which were reproduced, 
with slight verbal changes, from the ritual then in use (Adop- 
tive Rite), while a sixteenth was added, as follows : 

"Master Masons, when admitted to membership, shall have 
all the rights and privileges of the Chapter when convened, ex- 
cept that of balloting for candidates, for membership, and vot- 
ing for officers." 

This was adopted by a vote of twenty-three to five. This 
was the fuse that started the fire that resulted in the total de- 
struction of the Supreme Grand Chapter and Brother Macoy's 
control of the Order. Through the Masonic Advocate and 
other journals I made direct assault upon the alleged land- 
mark. In another section of the constitution it was required 
that "Every member present must vote" on petitions. The 
inconsistency of the two provisions was pointed out. With no 
laws accessible I obtained the addresses of those active in the 
work in other States and opened correspondence with some 
twenty of them, asking if they knew of any landmark or law 
depriving the brethren of the right to vote on any subject, and 
answers from Massachusetts to Oregon, from New Hampshire 
to Alabama, were that no such law was known. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 

The first definite proposition to strike at the root of the 
matter, and put everything upon a reasonable basis by forming 
a legitimate supreme body, was made by me in the New York 
Courier of August 30, 1874, as follows : 



SUPREME BODIES. 



37 



"Two things, it seems to me, are needed immediately: 
first, a Supreme Grand Chapter composed of representatives 
from the several Grand Chapters ; second, revision and general 
boiling down and finishing up of the ritual, which is now de- 
fective, both in style and language. Let us all buckle on our 
armor, and enter in earnest on the work of improving and ex- 
tending the Order, and a very few years will place it in a very 
enviable position. But as long as it is made merchandise of 
by any one, to gain a livelihood, and persons are put in posi- 
tions of honor and trust, not because they are qualified for 
them, but simply because they are not able to make a living 
otherwise, they will, like Othello, soon find their occupation 
gone; it will drag out a miserable existence for a time, and 
finally fall to the ground of its own weight." 

Beginning in October, 1874, the writer contributed regu- 
larly to the Masonic Advocate of Indianapolis communica- 
tions relative to the Order, and, filled with the zeal and fire of 
youth, he wrote some very pointed articles relative to its needs 
and management. It was a time when the future of the Order 
could be made or marred very easily, and although the judg- 
ment of his maturer years cannot fully approve the strong 
language employed in clothing his thoughts, he recognizes the 

fact that had he not pursued 
the course he did the subse- 
quent history of the Order 
might have been far different 
from the brilliant record of 
the last third of a century. 

His contributions were not 
appreciated by all; among 
those by whom they were not 
was the Grand Patron of In- 
diana, who, in his address to 
the Grand Chapter in 1875, 
said: 

*Tt has been suggested that 
the ritual should be revised for 
the reason that it is a botch 
and disconnected and ungrarn- 
matical. It is a little singular that all the intelligent men who 




"Tcung- and of small experience. 



38 SUPREME BODIES. 

have received and worked the ritual have failed to make the 
discovery, and it has been left to Indiana in the seventy-fifth 
year of the nineteenth century to furnish the man, who, though 
young and of small experience, makes the remarkable discov- 
ery, and suggests the remedy." 

At its meeting in 1875 the Grand Chapter of Indiana, its 
members being ignorant of the true status of the Supreme 
Grand Chapter, adopted the following : 

''Resolved^ That this Grand Chapter will not declare her 
independence of the Supreme Grand Chapter, but we hereby 
empower the Worthy Grand Patron, so soon as fraternal rela- 
tions have been established with four or more State Grand 
Chapters, to join with them in a request to the officers of the 
Supreme Grand Chapter to convene the same immediately and 
perfect its organization, and on failure or neglect to do so, to 
call a general convention for the good of the Order, to form a 
General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star." 

At its organization, October 13, 1875, the Grand Chapter 
of Missouri adopted this resolution verbatim, but no action was 
taken under it by either grand body. The Grand Patron of 
Missouri wrote me concerning it : 

"I cannot, and with present purpose, will not join in any 
such request, thereby recognizing the existence of what does 
not exist. . . . The thing called a S. G. C. is a myth/' 

The writer of this history from 1874 to 1876 carried on 
an extensive correspondence with sisters and brothers promi- 
nent in the work of the Order in the several States, agitating 
the question of organizing a legitimate supreme body. P. M. 
Savery, Grand Lecturer of Mississippi, under date of June 26, 
1875, said: 

"Dear Brother Engle : Yours of 24th to hand and its 
contents noted. There has never been a Supreme Grand 
Chapter or Council of the Order of Adoptive Rite, or of the 
Eastern Star, de facto. . . . The Grand Chapter of Mis- 
sissippi will meet at Tupelo oil 14th of July next. I do not 
desire to bring up the subject (of forming a representative 
Supreme Grand Chapter) before them, but presume Brother 
Power, Grand Patron, will do so, if 3^ou request it — which you 
write vou have done." 



SUPREME BODIES. 39 

J. L. Power, Grand Patron, in a letter dated July 7, 1875, 
said : 

'''Dear Brother Engle : Your favors of the 9th and 24th 
ult. duly received. Have been absent, hence delay in answer- 
ing. . . . Our Eastern Star Grand Chapter meets on the 
14th inst. It is my purpose to recommend action looking to 
the formation of a Supreme Grand Chapter — a legitimate 
Grand Body — that shall meet triennially, or as may be agreed 
upon. Your letter on the subject is most opportune." 

In harmony with these letters, the recommendation was 
made by the Grand Patron, and, the matter being referred to 
a special committee, of which Brother Savery was chairman, 
the Grand Chapter adopted the following : 

"Whereas, We deem uniformity of ritual and lectures es- 
sential to the present and future prosperity of the Order ; there- 
fore, we respectfully recommend that a committee, consisting 
of seven members of this Grand Chapter, of which committee 
the Grand Patron and Grand Matron shall be members, shall 
be appointed to confer with like committees that may hereafter 
be appointed by other Grand Chapters of the Order in the 
United States, or elsewhere, whose duty it shall be to take 
under advisement, and present, if practicable, some feasible 
and judicious plan for the organization of a Supreme Grand 
Chapter; which said supreme body shall, when organized and 
recognized by two-thirds of the Grand Chapters in the United 
States, have absolute and supreme control over the ritual and 
lectures of the Adoptive Rite. We also recommend that said 
committee shall be the accredited delegates from this Grand 
Jurisdiction to a convention of the Order wheresoever and 
whensoever convened, and they shall have all power and au- 
thority to do any and all acts necessary and lawful to be done 
in the premises; and they shall report their doings to this 
Grand Chapter at each annual grand convocation." 

My correspondence with John M. Mayhew, Grand Patron 
of New Jersey, commenced in February, 1875, and in his 
fourth letter, dated August 2 1 , following, he said : 

"I look forward with considerable anxiety to the time when 
a supreme body shall be organized, under whose authority 
alone a ritual and other ceremonies and form of documents of 
the Order shall be published, and from whom alone all such 



40 SUPREME BODIES. 

documents shall be procured. . . . I am in hopes of re- 
ceiving communications from Mississippi and Indiana on the 
subject before our Grand Chapter meets on October 13th." 

And in his next letter, August 29th, he said : 

"Brother Engle : . . . Your letter conveys some glad 
information, viz: . That the subject of a Supreme Grand 
Chapter is to come before the Grand Chapter of California in 
October. I shall also embody the subject in my address to 
our Grand Chapter. I am, however, in hopes that I shall re- 
ceive something official from Mississippi in season. Can you 
assist me in the matter by writing them?" 

Subsequent letters discussed details of plans, and, in ac- 
cordance with his letters, he presented the matter to the Grand 
Chapter at its meeting, October 13, 1875, and the following 
was adopted : 

''Resolved, That five delegates be selected to represent this 
Grand Chapter at any meeting or convention that may be called 
for the purpose of organizing a Supreme Grand Chapter of 
the Order of the Eastern Star." 

^ My correspondence with George J. Hobe, Grand Patron of 
California, began in February, 1875, and in his ninth letter, 
dated August 18, 1875, he wrote: 

"I am in receipt of yours of the loth and 12th of July, 
as also the August number of the Masonic Advocate, for which 
many thanks. I see by the Advocate that Mississippi has 
taken the initiatory step toward forming the so-called Supreme 
Grand Chapter of the United States. If we should receive a 
communication from them before the session of our Grand 
Chapter, October i8th, it will, of course, come up in its regular 
order; if not, I think I shall bring it before them myself." 

Which he did, and at its meeting at Vallejo, October 19, 
1875, the following was adopted: 

''Resolved, That the Grand Chapter constitute a committee 
of seven, of which the Worthy Grand Patron and Worthy 
Grand Matron shall be members, to confer with like commit- 
tees that may hereafter be appointed by the other Grand Chap- 
ters of the Order of the United States. It shall be their duty 
to take under advisement, and present, if practicable, some 
feasible and judicious plan for the organization of a Supreme 
Grand Chapter, which supreme body shall, when organized 



SUPREME BODIES. 41 

and recognized by two-thirds of the Grand Chapters of the 
Order in the United States, have absolute and supreme control 
over the ritual and lectures of the Order. 

''Resolved, That said committee be the accredited delegates 
from this Grand Jurisdiction to a convention of the Order 
wheresoever and whenever convened, have power to do any 
and all acts necessary and lawful to be done in the premises, 
and report their doings to this Grand Chapter at each annual 
communication. 

''Resolvedj That the Grand Patron be requested to submit, 
or cause to be submitted, the action of this Grand Chapter to 
each and all sister Grand Chapters in the United States, and 
respectfully solicit their zealous co-operation." 

At a meeting of the Grand Chapter of Indiana, in April, 
1876, the Grand Patron said, in his address: 

"Several of the State Grand Chapters have passed similar 
resolutions to the one adopted by our Grand Chapter upon the 
subject of a Supreme Grand Chapter. As no definite action, 
however, has been taken upon this subject, I would recom- 
mend the repeal of the aforesaid resolution, and that you, by 
suitable action, fix a time, select a place, declare who shall be 
entitlied to seats in the proposed Supreme Grand Chapter, and 
invite all other State Grand Chapters to unite with you in the 
work. The first Wednesday in November, and Indianapolis, 
would be a suitable time and place, in my judgment." 

In pursuance of this recommendation the following was 
adopted : 

''Whereas^ Uniformnity of work, modes of recognition, 
and regulations governing eligibility to membership are not 
only desirable, but absolutely necessary to the permanent 
growth and prosperity of our Order, now so rapidly increasing 
in numbers, and advancing in the estimation of the Masonic 
fraternity; and 

''Whereas, Several Grand Chapters, recognizing this ne- 
cessity, have appointed committees to represent and act for 
them in a convention to be thereafter called to organize such a 
body, but have failed to take any steps which will lead to the 
calling of such a convention, and this Grand Chapter, realizing 
the importance of speedy and definite action which will lead to 
so desirable an end ; therefore, be it 



42 SUPREME BODIES. 

"Resolved, That all Grand Chapters of the Order be invited 
and requested to appoint seven delegates, of which the Grand 
Patron and Grand Matron shall be ex-officio two, with full 
power to do any and all acts necessary to be done in the prem- 
ises, for and in behalf of their respective Grand Chapters, to 
meet in convention for the purpose of organizing a Supreme 
Chapter, at Indianapolis, at lo o'clock on Wednesday, the 8th 
day of November next. 

''Resolved, That the Grand Patron appoint a committee of 
three brothers and two sisters to act in conjunction with the 
Grand Patron and Grand Matron, as delegates from this Grand 
Chapter to such convention. 

"Resolved, That the said delegates be appointed the com- 
mittee of this Grand Chapter to submit a copy of the foregoing 
preamble and resolutions to all sister Grand Chapters, and re- 
quest their prompt and zealous co-operation. 

"Resolved, That said committee be instructed to make all 
preliminary arrangements necessary for the accommodation of 
said convention. 

"Resolved, That the necessary expenses of the said com- 
mittee, not to exceed one hundred dollars, be paid out of the 
grand treasury: provided, no part thereof shall be expended 
for mileage." 

The Grand Chapter of Nebraska, on June 19, 1876, elected 
delegates to the convention, with full power to act for it. 

At its meeting in Chicago, October 4, 1876, the Grand 
Chapter of Illinois accepted the invitation of the Grand Chap- 
ter of Indiana and elected four delegates to represent it. 

The Grand Chapter of Missouri, at its meeting in St. Louis, 
October 9, 1876, resolved to accept the invitation, and ap- 
pointed seven delegates to represent it. 

New Jersey supplemented her former action on October 1 1 , 
1876, by accepting the invitation, and elected seven delegates 
to represent the Grand Chapter. 

And on October 17, 1876, the Grand Chapter of California 
took additional action, as follows : 

"Resolved, That this grand body cordially accepts the invi- 
tation of the Grand Chapter of Indiana to send seven delegates 
to a Supreme Grand Chapter to be holden in the city of In- 
dianapolis in November next. 



SUPREME BODIES. 43 

''Resolved, That the delegates present at such grand coun- 
cil cast the votes of absentees." 

As the original date fixed for the assembling of the con- 
vention was very near the date of the presidential election, it 
was concluded to postpone it one week, and notice to that ef- 
fect was issued by the delegates from Indiana. On November 
15 the convention met, and on the following day completed 
the organization of the General Grand Chapter. The Grand 
Chapters then in existence were those of New Jersey, New 
York, Mississippi, California, Vermont, Indiana, Connecticut, 
Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas, five of 
which were represented, and two others were committed to 
the movement. 

The position of Rob Morris relative to this matter is indi- 
cated by the following extracts from a letter dated Nevada, 
California, June 26, 1876: 

''Dear Brother Engle: ... I am free to say that I 
think your plans are entirely practical, and that by judicious 
and prudent establishment of correct principle, a Supreme 
Chapter of the world may be formed at your November meet- 
ing which will command universal respect. Your personal 
exertions to this enjd are, in all respects, meritorious, and will 
secure to you the permanent honor and respect you have so well 
earned. I have accepted the general invitation to be persent 
as 'Father of the Order,' and shall be glad to correspond 
with you fully and confidentially upon all questions that lie at 
the root of this subject. Under no circumstances will I per- 
mit my name to be used for any office in the supreme organiza- 
tion. I have read most of your articles in the Advocate, and 
generally can endorse your views." 

In answer to this I called Brother Morris's attention to the 
fact that while all members of the Order would be heartily wel- 
comed at the convention, it was to be composed of delegates 
from Grand Chapters only, and on July 15, 1876, he wrote: 

'T will, ere long, advance my opinions upon the subjects 
named. At present can only say your opinions coincide with 
mine." 

He then made inquiries as to the cost of organizing Chap- 
ters, his idea being to organize enough Chapters in Kentucky 



44 SUPREME BODIES. 

to establish a Grand Chapter. On July 22, following, he 
wrote : 

"1 will aid you all I can. I can get up four or five subordi- 
nate Chapters very readily, but would not like to pay fees for 
charters. If your Grand Patron could see his way clear to 
reduce the terms, and so have the eclat of introducing the 
chapter system into this State, it might be mutually ad- 
vantageous." 

The design of Brother Morris to organize the Order in 
Kentucky was not pushed to success, and he did not attend 
the convention as proposed, and, evidently forgetful of our 
correspondence, he wrote, in an open letter, dated Lagrange, 
Kentucky, October 2, 1877: 

"When the project of a General Grand Chapter originated 
I was not consulted, and, although the organizing meeting was 
held within four hours' travel of this place, I was not invited, 
but learned that, not having joined any Chapter in the Eastern 
Star, I was not entitled to enter." 

To this I responded in the Masonic Advocate for Novem- 
ber following : 

"Whatever omission was made that should not have been 
was probably owing to an oversight on the part of the com- 
mittee which made the original call. Certainly it was not in 
the province of any individual to extend the call beyond the 
original limits. Certainly no member of the Order would have 
been excluded, and, in fact, the convention passed an order 
*that all members of the Order be entitled to seats and to speak 
in the convention.' " 

In 1880 the Most Worthy Grand Patron said, in his ad- 
dress to the General Grand Chapter: 

"I have informally invited to be present upon this occasion 
one whom the Order will ever remember as the founder of the 
Order of the Eastern Star — Brother Robert Morris, LL. D., of 
Lagrange, Kentucky. Our brother is not a Chapter member, 
nor is he in the ordinary sense a member of the Order; but as 
its founder he alone may occupy the exceptional position of 
membership in the Order universal. I am assured by the 
brother that he has watched with deep interest the progress of 
the Order through the several stages of its growth, and regards 
the organization and success of the General Grand Chapter as 



SUPREME BODIES, 45 

evidence of the Eastern Star's ultimate complete triumph. He 
bids us Godspeed, and assures me that he will be only too glad 
to aid us in any way in his power. Such being the case, I am 
sure that time will only increase the honor with which a grate- 
ful Order will remember its founder." 

Brother Morris was at that meeting elected an honorary 
member of the body, and his natal day, August 31, was made 
the festal day of the Order. In an address acknowledging 
these honors, he said : 

''I am satisfied with what has been done by the officers of 
this body in the last three years, and that the basis on which the 
Order now rests is a permanent one. Second, I have always 
felt the warmest friendship for Brother Macoy, and friend- 
ship is a thing not to be broken for slight cause. This friend- 
ship has existed for thirty years, and it would take a great deal 
to break it. I disapprove the course he has taken, and have 
labored unavailing to restrain him. I would never suffer a 
hard word to sever true friendship, which is of inestimable 
value, but would bear many things from friends. Others 
have borne with my faults, and I will bear with theirs. 
Brother Macoy's course I have disapproved from the first, 
although I do not think he was properly treated at first; yet, 
that does not justify him in the course he has since pursued. 
. . . If any Grand Chapter has any idea of withdrawing 
from your body, as Grand Commanderies did from the Gen- 
eral Grand Encampment, I would say to them, don't do it, 
I beg of you. Wait fifteen or twenty years and let the 
General Grand Chapter have a chance to demonstrate the 
good that I am sure is in it, and which will result in such 
a grand success that the Masonic fraternity will accept it as a 
helpmeet for it, and be surprised that it did not take it up 
sooner ; for, properly worked out, it will form a grand attach- 
ment to Freemasonry. This I felt years ago, and I trust the 
day will come when every lodge v^' ill have in connection with it 
a Chapter of this Order. The more there are the cheaper they 
can be run, and the more good can they accomplish. I am 
sorry today that I have not given my own personal attention 
for thirty years to this matter, and it is with sincere regret that 
I realize it is too late for me to do the good in it that I could 
have accomplished if I had begun years ago, but I am glad to 



46 SUPREME BODIES. 

know that younger men and women have taken hold of the 
work with a zeal and wisdom which will assure success ; and I 
say to you: Preserve the Order in unity; frown down all 
secession ; keep the Grand Chapters in rank, for in union there 
is strength." 

Brother Morris was in attendance at the meeting of the 
general body in St. Louis, in 1886, and was loyal to the inter- 
ests of it up to the time of his death, July 31, 1888. 

The position assumed by Brother Macoy was one of most 
bitter opposition to the movement, the motive of which may 
not be far to seek when it is remembered that from the sale of 
charters at from ten to thirty dollars each, from the sale of 
rituals at from one to five dollars per copy, and from the sale 
of jewels at fifty-six dollars for a set of fourteen, similar to 
those that can now be bought for twelve dollars, he had en- 
joyed an income of several thousand dollars a year. One of 
the principal causes of dissatisfaction was the numerous 
changes made in the ritual. That in use in 1874 was revised 
and materially altered in 1875, so that previous editions were 
useless when the later was used, and, in 1876, he issued another 
differing still more from previous ones ; even the different edi- 
tions of the syllabus gave radically different directions as to the 
manner of giving the signs, so that it was found that, if Chap- 
ters were to keep up with the Order, annual expenditures must 
be made for the purchase of new editions of the ritual. When 
Grand Chapters which were using the 1875 ritual applied to 
the Masonic Publishing Company for additional copies of it, 
they were informed that it was out of print, and that copies 
of it could not be purchased. 

The following is from the address of the Most Worthy 
Grand Patron in 1880: 

''Soon after the publication of the ritual in November, 
1878, each member of your committee, and the printers, re- 
ceived a letter from a legal gentleman in New York, saying 
that he had been retained by Mr. Robert Macoy to prosecute 
us individually for forfeiture and damages for violation of 
his copyright upon the ritual published by him in 1876. The 
letter stated that. Tailing to hear from you within ten days, 
I shall proceed against you in the United States Court.' 
. . . Our counsel's reply in our behalf was such that noth- 



SUPREME BODIES. 47 

iiig further has been heard from the threatened suit. Thwarted 
in his effort for your injury in this direction, Mr. Macoy soon 
after pubHshed a work, containing less than one-half of our 
ritual, and falsely advertised it as an edition of the ritual pub- 
lished by the General Grand Chapter, copies of which were for 
sale at one-half the price of the authorized work." 

The opposition of Brother Macoy was not only manifested 
in a legitimate way, but assumed the shape of virulent personal 
attacks upon individuals and committees of the General Grand 
Chapter. It is not deemed necessary to incorporate herein the 
worst of these, as they would soil the pages too greatly. 

Many of his expressions were in letters and postal cards 
sent to members of the Order, but I will present only a few 
extracts of the least obnoxious nature from his printed articles. 
The following is from a postal card sent generally to members 
of the Order in January, 1879 : 

''The new ritual, sent forth by the committee of the G. G. 

C. (Gen. Gulling Catchpenny), consisting of a blessed tom 
lamb (Mary's pet, whose fleece was white as snow), and two 
others of equal obscurity, being a thorough failure, except for 
mischief, is now appropriately known as The Lamb's Fry. 
This unskillful parody and unjust plagiarism on the recognized 
standard ritual can be had, postage prepaid, at 10 to 50 cents 
a copy, on application to the G. S. of the above body. Address 

D. W. Jengles, Indianapolis, Ind." 

Only once did Brother Macoy approach to wit in his emana- 
tions in the matter, which was in a 
two-page circular issued in 1881, 
headed with the accompanying cut, 
/-.^ which he labeled "A starry caudal 

appendage." The following ex- 
tracts are taken from it: 

''The hybrid concern known as 
the G. G. Circus will pitch its tent, erect the ring and spread 
the sawdust for special exhibition, for a few days only, at San 
Francisco, Cal., in August, 1883. The company will be fresh 
and unique, consisting of aesthetics, acrobats, gymnasts, cham- 
pion bareback riders, strong minders, &c. Signor Funnieman, 
captain of the gang, who writes ridiculous reports for G. C. of 
Mo., will handle the whip as ringmaster. Mr. Jengles, G. S., 




48 SUPEEME BODIES. 

the nice young man, whom ail the women want to marry, will 
appear in his original character as clown. 'Our Willis' will 
be on hand, as heretofore, to collect the revenue and appropri- 
ate the funds. 'Our noble Order,' as some of the F. F. F. 
(Fair, Fat and Forty) fraternity proclaim it, is passing, with 
notable rapidity, into 'Our school for scandal,' and will, under 
the auspices of the circus managers, soon pass into the region 
of oblivion. 

"In the year 1876 a few persons, having in view their ov/n 
pecuniary interests, organized the concern known as G. G. C. 
(Grand Gossiping Circus) of the O. E. S. They saw 'millions 
in it.' Having no ritual, they plagiarized one already made 
and claimed it as their own, and are now reveling in the fruits 
of their dishonesty. 

"Hops and Hoppers. — An item is going the rounds of the 
press that the Chapter at Indianapolis has inaugurated a series 
of social hops for the season. The Order was not organized 
for the purpose of dispensing hops, gratifying hoppers, or any 
sort of indecent gyratory and gymnastic displays. For what 
base purpose is the Order being used. Shame! It was this 
and similar kinds of immoral exhibitions that brought upon 
the Order in Chicago and other places an opprobious title. 

"sympathetic advice. 

"Dear Friends, 
If you wish, to keep your title clear 

For a mansion in the skies, 
And of Boss Female Stars have no fear 

Avoid Fast ones — and be wise." 

The columns of the New York Dispatch teemed with pro- 
ductions of Brother Macoy's pen, of which this is a sample : 

"Three years ago a few nervous and inconsiderate individ- 
uals met in a Western city and without lawful authority con- 
glomerated a body which they termed G. G. C, which, being 
translated into good English, signifies General Grand Circus. 
This spurious organization is now led and presided over by a 
very feeble Lamb, assisted by a few^ unknown stray sheep. 



SUPREME BODIES. 49 

''The advocates of the concern admit that it possesses no 
authority, and is a nonentity, therefore its quaHties are so flat, 
stale and puerile that it does not rise to the dignity of an ordi- 
nary fraud, and it should be treated accordingly. The result 
is that either we should recognize this fraud as having a claim 
upon our fealty, or that we should at once and unanimously 
denounce it as what it really is — a fraud. If we love the 
Order as it is, let us stand by it and ever be its friends ; if we 
do not, let us help to forward the ideas of this fraudulent 
imitation." 

Immediately after the issuance of the ritual authorized by 
the General Grand Chapter Brother Macoy issued extracts 
from it, containing the opening, closing and initiatory cere- 
monies, which he not only offered to sell, as he always had sold 
his rituals, to all that would buy, whether Masons or not, but 
he sent copies of it gratuitously to leading Masons in all parts 
of the country who were not members of the Order. In addi- 
tion to these extracts he appended what he called ''Critical and 
Explanatory Notes," in which he ridiculed some of the changes 
made in the ritual, and reiterated his claim to ownership of the 
same. If Brother Macoy had any legitimate grievance, it was 
in the infringement of his copyright, and for that there was 
no basis. Concerning this, Thomas M. Lamb said in his ad- 
dress to the General Grand Chapter in 1880: 

"If Mr. Macoy 's preposterous claims of ownership of the 
ritual work of our Order should be sustained, the Eastern Star 
would be thrown powerless into the hands of one man. A 
copyright is of no value unless the party claiming its benefits 
is wholly or substantially the author of the work copyrighted. 
The ritual and its several revisions, published and copyrighted 
by Robert Macoy, are almost entirely the work of other brains 
than his own. The revisions were mostly the work of com- 
mittees regularly appointed by the Grand Chapter of New 
York. The latest revision by that body was made by a com- 
mittee appointed in 1875. . . . The ritual published by the 
General Grand Chapter has more original matter than has ap- 
peared in all the rituals published by Mr. Macoy, and it is well 
known that we had access to all the original sources used by 
him in the compilation of the books he claims to own. . . . 
The various rituals published, and all the facts known to us, 



50 SUPREME BODIES. 

were submitted to able counsel, and it appeared, as the result 
of his examination, that Mr. Macoy's claim is as void in law 
as in moral right." 

As will be seen by readers of this history, the first manual 
issued by Brother Macoy was in 1866, and it was not copy- 
righted, but, on issuing a subsequent edition in 1867, ^^^^^ was 
copyrighted, but any one at all familiar with the copyright 
laws knows that, in order to have it protected, a work must be 
copyrighted before it is issued ; that it must bear the imprint of 
copyright, and that the copyright only protects original matter 
never before published. But Brother Macoy did not own the 
copyright of any ritual issued before 1876, so that he had no 
right to raise his voice in objection to the action of the General 
Grand Chapter in publishing its ritual, so far as his individual 
rights were concerned, for it contained nothing that was orig- 
inal in the ritual of which he was the owner of the copyright. 
The Mosaic Book, the Ladies' Friend, the Tatem Monitor, the 
Adoptive Rite and other works, containing in one form or 
another the work of the Order, were the sources from which 
Brother Macoy and the General Grand Chapter alike drew the 
substance of their rituals. After Brother Macoy failed in his 
attempt to intimidate the committee of the General Grand 
Chapter which had charge of the publication of its ritual, he 
took refuge under the assertion that, "(i) I am not fond of a 
lawsuit, and the parties do not reside in the judicial district 
with me; (2) they are pecuniarily worthless." To this re- 
sponse was made in *'A review of the critical and explanatory 
notes," by the writer, as follows : 

"The strong arm of the law, with all the force of the 
United States government, ~ will protect Mr. Macoy in the 
possession of all the property to which he can prove a legal 
title. Though he may insinuate publicly, as he has already 
done privately, that the reason for his not putting his threat 
of legal proceedings into execution was on account of the 
financial irresponsibility of the members of the committee, it 
lacks the elements of credibility, as, no matter how irresponsi- 
ble financially the members of the committee may be, if Mr. 
Macoy has any title to the 'property' he so generously claims, 
the court will grant a perpetual injunction prohibiting them 
from publishing the ritual of the General Grand Chapter, and 



SUPREME BODIES. 51 

Mr. Macoy can live off of the profits from future sales of the 
ritual as long as the life of the Order can be maintained under 
liis dictatorship." 

Even as late as 1892 Brother Macoy kept up the claim of 
the existence of a governing body, the title and authority of 
which he stated in Macoy's Standard : 

''The Supreme Chapter, by the inherent authority of pos- 
session and right of eminent domain, has exclusive authority 
to establish Chapters in jurisdictions, domestic and foreign, 
where no Grand Chapter of the rite exists; to establish a uni- 
form system of work and lectures; has jurisdiction over all 
subjects of legislation, and appellate powers to hear and decide 
all questions of law and equity that may be brought before it, 
and to do each and everything appertaining to the good and 
perpetuity of the rite, in accordance with its Constitution." 

And of this body he claimed to be Supreme Patron. And 
yet in his critical and explanatory notes he had said : 

"I opposed the proposition of a General Grand Chapter 
because I had seen for thirty years the uselessness of the two 
national Masonic organizations, and the waste of immense 
sums of money, obtained substantially under the guise of char- 
ity, for their maintenance. . . . 

"I feared that such an organization in the Adoptive Rite 
would meddle with the rights of state Grand Chapters, deprive 
them of their sovereignty, independence and absolute authority 
in their respective jurisdictions." 

A comparison of the very limited authority of the General 
Grand Chapter, composed of the representatives of the various 
Grand Chapters, with that claimed for the Supreme Chapter, 
which consisted solely of Brother Macoy, will demonstrate, at 
least, his lack of sincerity. It was further claimed that Grand 
Chapters could only be formed by ''the sanction of the Su- 
preme Chapter or the Supreme Patron." 

This brief reference to the violent and bitter persecution 
which those prominent in the movement for the upbuilding of 
the General Grand Chapter and the establishment of the Order 
upon a substantial foundation underwent is set down in no 
spirit of malice. It only serves as an index to point to the 
great mass of such m_aterial emanating from the same source, 
aimed principally at the then Most Worthy Grand Patron, 



52 SUPREME BODIES. 

Thomas M. Lamb, and myself, as Right Worthy Grand Secre- 
tary, but some of the bitterest shafts were directed at sisters 
who were also Past Grand Matrons. I have an abundance of 
such material,, which was sent through the mails in utter viola- 
tion of the postal laws against the transmission of obscene 
matter, which I could not be induced to put in type. In his 
milder moments he wrote of the members of the General Grand 
Chapter as thieves, and its ritual as a bawdy one, and if he 
ever alluded to either the General Grand Chapter or its active 
promoters save in terms of opprobrium I am ignorant of it. 
Were it possible to set down the history of the Order, and to 
convey even a faint idea of the trials through which it has 
passed to its present high estate, without reference to this dis- 
agreeable feature, it would have been passed by. Brother 
Macoy's mind was naturally warped by personal interests, and 
his nature was such that he could not view, unbiased, a subject 
in which he was so deeply concerned. The Order owes much 
to his efforts toward systematizing and arranging it, and if he 
could have disabused his mind of the conviction that both the 
Order and its ritual were his personal property, and have wel- 
comed the movement that was designed to more thoroughly 
systematize and organize it, and induced the Grand Chapter 
of New York, which was thoroughly under his influence, to 
accept the invitation to participate in the convention which 
organized the General Grand Chapter, and attended the same 
as a representative of his Grand Chapter, he would have been 
received with the highest honor, and might have handed down 
a name unsullied by the mistakes of his later years. He has 
passed beyond the reach of censure or reproach into a region, 
let us hope, where, with clear vision, he can see the unselfish- 
ness of the labors of those he opposed, and can realize that the 
welfare of the Order, which was really near his heart, was 
also dear to them. 

The General Grand Chapter in 1895 adopted the following, 
reported by a committee of which the writer was chairman : 

"Robert Macoy, Past Grand Patron of New York, al- 
though never connected with this body, but rather opposed to 
it, rendered most valuable service to the Order by his talent 
and great executive ability, giving it the chapter form of 
organization which has resulted in its present highly prosper- 



SUPREME BODIES. 53 

ous condition. We gladly, then, cover what we deem his 
failings (believing that he honestly held and battled for his 
views) with the broad mantle of charity, and express the sense 
of loss we must feel as an Order, and inscribe his name upon 
the General Grand Chapter memorial scroll." 

Many Masons who held positions of prominence had a very 
intolerant spirit toward the Order, which found expression in 
many ways ; sometimes, as in Ohio, in excluding Chapters from 
lodge rooms, under all circumstances, and sometimes by severe 
attacks in the columns of the Masonic press. Numerous as 
these were, we will mention only one. 

One of the most reputable of Masonic journals, the Phila- 
delphia Keystone, in a three-column article upon the address 
of Mattie A. Yost, Grand Matron of Missouri, had this to say : 

"We are pronouncedly opposed to 'hair pin' Masonry. We 
do not think that a tyled lodge or Chapter is the place for males 
and females to congregate, and we know that Freemasonry, in 
its institution, its inherent character and its present purpose, 
has no affiliating elements that render it homogenous with a 
female secret society. Masonry was not made for all men, 
and certainly it was made for no women. . . . And shall it 
ever be that Ancient Craft Masonry will officially recognize 
'hair pin' Masonry and take it to its arms? Shade of King 
Solomon, forbid the banns ! . . . Let those individuals who 
created this Order alone recognize and take care of their ille- 
gitimate offspring." 

Sister Yost was denied the columns of this Masonic jour- 
nal by its valiant editor to make reply to his ungentlemanly 
assault, but she found an equally reputable journal, the Ma- 
sonic Advocate, that gave her the opportunity to castigate the 
gentleman in such a way that he had nothing more to say. 



CHAPTER III. 



RITUALS. 









3 




^m 



HE following is a complete list of rituals of the 
Eastern Star extant, arranged alphabetically by 
the names by which, for the sake of brevity and 
convenience, they are designated in this his- 
tory : 

Adoptive Rite. — ''Adoptive Rite. A Book of Instructions in 
the Organization, Government and Ceremonies of Chapters 
of the Order of the Eastern Star. Arranged by Robert 
Macoy, Grand Secretary of the Supreme Grand Chapter. 
New York : Masonic Publishing Company, 626 Broadway. 
1868. Copyrighted, 1868, by the Masonic Publishing and 
Manufacturing Company." 

Adoptive Rite Revised. — Same as above. (1874.) 

Adoptive Rite Ritual.— "Adoptive Rite Ritual. A Book, of 
Instruction in the Organization, Government and Cere- 
monies of Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
Arranged by Robert Macoy, Past Grand Secretary of the 
Supreme Grand Chapter. Revised Edition. New York: 
Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., 34 Park Row, 
N. Y. 1897. Copyrighted, 1868, by the Masonic Pub- 
lishing and Manufacturing Company, and in 1897 by J. 
G. Barker." 

Book of Instructions. — 'T. A. T. A. L. Book of Instructions. 
1 86 1." No imprint. Not copyrighted. 

California Ritual. — "Ceremonies for Opening the Chapter, 
Conducting Business, the Form of Initiation, Closing the 
Chapter and Installation of Officers, for the Use of Subor- 
dinate Chapters under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Chap- 
ter of California of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
Printed by Authority." (1873.) Not copyrighted. 

California Revised. — Same as above. San Francisco. Spal- 
ding & Barto, Book and Job Printers, 414 Clay street. 
1877. ^^^ copyrighted. 



RITUALS. 55 

Critical and Explanatory Notes. — ''Ritual of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, as 'set forth and established' by the General 
Grand Chapter. With Critical and Explanatory Notes. 
By Robert Macoy, 33d Degree, Past National Grand Secre- 
tary and Past Grand Patron of New York, and Grand 
Patron of the Order. 'Uniformity of Ritual is Desirable.' 
New York: Macoy, Publisher, 4 Barclay street. 1878. 
Copyrighted, 1878, by Robert Macoy." 

Crombie's Ritual. — "Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
Revised by Brother John Crombie, 33d Degree, 90th De- 
gree, 96th Degree, Past Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of 
Scotland; Past Provincial Superintendent of Aberdeen- 
shire; Past Provincial Grand Master for Aberdeenshire, 
&c.. Royal Order of Scotland; Sovereign Grand Master 
General for Scotland, Royal Masonic Rite, &c., &c., &c. 
Aberdeen: Gibson & Thompson, 8 Gaelic Lane. 1889." 
Not copyrighted. 

General Grand Chapter Ritual. — "Ritual of the Order of the 
Eastern Star. Published by Authority of the General 
Grand Chapter. Printed for the General Grand Chapter." 
( 1 878. ) Not copyrighted. 

General Grand Chapter Revised. — "Ritual of the Order of the 
Eastern Star. Published by Authority of the General 
Grand Chapter. First Revised Edition. Copyrighted, 
1890." 

General Grand Chapter Amended. — Same as above. "As 
amended September, 1901." 

General Grand Chapter German. — "Ritual des Ordens des 
Eastern Star. Publizirt unter Autoritat des General Gross 
Chapter." Copyrighted, 1891. 

Ladies' Friend. — "The Ladies' Friend, Containing all the Lec- 
tures and Exoteric Ceremonials, made use of in Conferring 
the Adoptive Degrees of Masonry, Consisting of the East- 
ern Star, Mason's Daughter, Kindred Degree, Good Sa- 
maritan and Heroines of Jericho, by G. W. Brown, M. A. 
Ann Arbor: Press of Dr. A. W. Chase, Main street. 
1866. Copyrighted by G. W. Brown, 1866." 

Lowe's Expose. — "Adoptive Masonry Illustrated. A full and 
complete Illustrated Ritual of the Five Degrees of Female 
Masonry, Comprising the Degrees of Jephthah's Daughter, 



56 RITUALS. 

Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa, and Known as the 
Daughter's Degree, Widow's Degree, Wife's Degree, Sis- 
ter's Degree and the Benevolent Degree, By Thomas 
Lowe. Ezra A. Cook, Publisher, 1881. Copyrighted by 
Ezra A. Cook, 1881." 

Macoy's Manual. — -"Manual of the Order of the Eastern Star, 
Containing the Symbols, Scriptural Illustrations, Lectures, 
&c.. Adapted to the System of Adoptive Masonry. Ar- 
ranged by Robert Macoy, National Grand Secretary. *'I 
have seen His Star in the East and have come to Worship 
Him." Beautifully Illustrated. New York: Masonic 
Publishing and Manufacturing Company, 430 Broome 
Street. Chicago: J. C. W. Bailey. 1866." Not copy- 
righted. Subsequent editions copyrighted. 

Macoy's Ritual. — ''Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
A Book of Instruction, for the Organization, Government 
and Ceremonies of Chapters of the Order in Every Depart- 
ment. By Robert Macoy, Supreme Grand Patron, and 
Past Grand Patron, Grand Chapter of New York. Illus- 
trated. New York: Robert Macoy, Publisher, 4 Barclay 
Street. 1876. Copyrighted by Robert Macoy, 1876." 

Macoy's Standard. — "The Rite of Adoption. The Standard 
Rituals of the Degrees of the Eastern Star, the Queen of 
the South and the Amaranth. To which is added that of 
the Matron's Administrative Degree. A Complete Book 
of Instruction for the Organization, Government and Cere- 
monies of the Rite of Adoption, in Every Department. By 
Robert Macoy, 33d Degree, Supreme Patron of the East- 
ern Star and Vicar-General of the A. and A. Scottish Rite 
of Adoption, Southern Jurisdiction. New York: Robert 
Macoy, Publisher, 1887. Copyrighted by Robert Macoy, 
1876, 1887." Later edition copyrighted by Robert Macoy, 
1891. 

Michigan Ritual. — ^Without title. 1875. ^'o* copyrighted. 

Morris's Manual. — "Manual of the Eastern Star Degree, as 
Arranged by Competent Authority, i860." No imprint. 
Not copyrighted. 

Mosaic Book. — "The Mosaic Book of the American Adoptive 
Rite, in three parts. Part I. General Instructions. Part 
II. The Ritual. Part III. Constitution, By-Laws, etc. 



RITUALS. 57 

First Edition. Published under the authority of the Su- 
preme Constellation of the American Adoptive Rite. New 
York: John W. Leonard & Co., 383 Broadway. 1855. 
Copyrighted by John W. Leonard, 1855." 

Mosaic Second. — 'The Mosaic Book of the American Adopt- 
ive Rite. In two parts. Part L General Instructions. 
Part II. The Ritual. Second Edition. Published under 
the Authority of the Supreme Constellation of the Amer- 
ican Adoptive Rite. New York : J. B. Taylor, V. E. Gr'd 
Sec'y, 335 Broadway. 1857." Not copyrighted. 

New Jersey Ritual. — ''Standard Authorized Ritual of the 
Order of the Eastern Star in the State of New Jersey. 
Forms and ceremonies, with necessary instructions for the 
rendition of this work. As compiled by a committee ap- 
.pointed at the annual session of the Grand Chapter, held 
in October, 1909." Copyrighted, 191 1, by the Grand 
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the State of 
New Jersey. 

New York German. — "Ritual des Ordens vom Ost Stern. 
Lehrbuch zur Leitung von Kapiteln, geordnet und zusam- 
mengestellt von Robert Macoy, Gross Patron des Gross 
Kapitels im Staate New York. Unberseszt fuer den Ge- 
brauch in Deutschen Kapiteln fuer Concordia Kapitel von 
Simon Lambert. New York: Druck von 'Der Fuehrer.' 
1898." Not copyrighted. 

New York Ritual.— "The Authorized Standard Ritual of the 
Order of the Eastern Star in the State of New York. A 
system of forms and ceremonies, with necessary instruc- 
tions for Chapters. As revised by a committee at the 
annual session of the Grand Chapter, held in June, 1897. 
New York : Published by the Grand Chapter, 1900. Copy- 
righted by Robert Maco}^ 1876, 1887, 1891 ; by Clara 
Clark, 1895 ; by Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, 
State of New York, 1896, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 
1906, 1908, 1909, 1910, 191 1. 

Rosary. — "The Rosary of the Eastern Star, Comprising the 
Lectures, Odes, Emblems, Scriptural Readings and General 
Directions Appertaining to the Popular and Elegant S3^s- 
tem of Adoptive Masonry, by Rob Morris, LL. D., Ma- 
sonic Writer. Chicago: John C. W. Bailey, Printer and 



58 RITUALS. 

Publisher, P. O. Box 1439, 1865. Copyrighted by Rob 
Morris, 1865." 
Scotch Ritual. — ''Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star. 
Aberdeen: Printed by W. Milne Gibson, 8 Gaehc Lane. 
1900." Not copyrighted. Same as Crombie's ritual ex- 
cept title page. 
Tatem's Monitor. — ''The Monitor of the Eastern Star, Con- 
taining the Ritual of Adoptive Masonry Embraced in the 
Eastern Star Degree, Consisting of the Initiation, Degree 
Work, Ceremony for Opening and Closing a Lodge, In- 
stallation Services, etc., Together with Forms and Rules 
for the Government of Lodges, Compiled and Arranged 
by John H. Tatem, Adrian, Michigan. Holmes, Cook & 
Bruner, Printers, Adrian, Mich. Copyrighted by J. H. 
Tatem. 1867." 
Thesauros. — "Thesauros of the Ancient and Honorable Order 
of the Eastern Star, as Collected and Arranged by the 
Committee and Adopted by the Supreme Council in Con- 
vocation Assembled, May, 1793. Copyright Secured. 
Printed for the use of the Fourth Division, U. S. By 
order of the G. L. 1850." 

The following account of the various rituals published 
takes them in the order of their publication, so that the reader 
can trace the development of the work' of the Order and note 
its various changes. It has been deemed best to give in this 
chapter only a general outline of them, reserving to a subse- 
quent chapter the explanations of the various emblems, and 
grouping the different explanations of each emblem or class 
of emblems together, so that the changes may be more easily 
noted without critical study. 

I am aware that criticism may be made that too copious 
extracts have been inserted herein from rituals which are now 
obsolete, but it must be remembered that Macoy's Manual and 
Adoptive Rite Ritual can be purchased in the open market by 
any that will buy, and that only the initiated can know what 
changes have been made, and wherein the former work is 
similar to that now in use. Those who have no idea of the 
loose m_anner in which former rituals have been kept, or of 
their complete accessibility by any one caring to read them, 
may criticise the author for thus quoting from them, but, 



RITUALS. 59 

secure in his belief that he has divulged no new facts, he has 
chosen thus to present the evolution of the ritual. Reference 
is made in the Preface to this subject, to which the reader's 
attention is called. 

THE THESAUROS. 

In Chapter I the authenticity of this ritual is discussed. 
In the Preface of 1819 it is said of the Order: 

^'During the revolutionary war, and the last war with 
England, it tended greatly to soften barbarous strife by bring- 
ing to the aid of the wounded the gentle charity of enlightened 
sisterhood." 

In this ritual it was stated that "no officer of the Supreme 
Constellation receives any fee or reward for services rendered 
in that capacity, nor can the Council itself establish any treas- 
ury or permanent fund whatever in connection with the 
Order." Nor was any officer of a Constellation to be allowed 
any fee or emolument for services. Meetings were to be held 
quarterly. The officers of a Constellation were Principal, 
Vice Principal, five sisters of the rays, viz : Ray Blue, Ray 
Orange, Ray White, Ray Green and Ray Red, Treasurer and 
Secretary. 

In the charges accompanying the several degrees the can- 
didate was thus addressed : 

"At Initiation. — -May your obedience be as exemplary as 
that of Jephthah's daughter. May your honor be in your 
hands a weapon of might to cut asunder all unholy ties, and 
prove the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 
May your apron caution you to keep your garments unspotted 
from the world, and your emblematical color, blue, advise you 
constantly of that cerulean hue which appears in the clear 
heavens, to win us upwards to those still higher mansions, not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. So mote it be. . . . 

"At Passing. — May your attachment be like that of Ruth, 
both to the service and the people of God. May your sheaf 
of wheat move you to produce an hundred fold of the peace- 
able fruits of righteousness. May your glove warn you of 
those thorns and asperities which will everywhere be found 
until 'He that cometh shall come.' May your emblematical 
color, orange, continually suggest to your mind amidst the 
Spring and Summer of life, that when its Autumn cometh on 



60 RITUALS. 

and the Winter of death draweth nigh, your ripened sheaves 
shall be acceptable, and the Lord of the harvest giveth you an 
eternal rest among those pronounced worthy, good and faith- 
ful servants. So mote it be. . . . 

''At Raising. — May the spotless purity of your hearts be 
like that of virtuous Esther. May your golden crown entice 
your thoughts to that brilliant company that encircles the throne 
of God. May your band serve to connect you in spirit with 
the pure of all ages who have gone up to their kindred heaven ; 
and your emblematical color, white, awaken devout aspira- 
tions, that after death shall have released you from the soiled 
raiments of the flesh, your souls washed white in the blood of 
the Lamb, may you be presented for acceptance of your Re- 
deemer, without fault before the throne of God. So mote 
it be. 

"At Exalting. — A solemn union, while we contemplate the 
scene described by a faithful John. An open sepulcher, and 
a triumphant God! Weeping to joy and tears to smiles! 
The Redeemer, touched by human grief, and the dead that 
died in the Lord called again to life. And can a member of 
the Eastern Star ever banish such thoughts from the heart? 
May your faith in God's promises be like that of Martha, the 
sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus loved. May your opened 
sepulcher admonish you of the end of life, and the resurrec- 
tion of those that follow the Conqueror through the valley of 
the shadow. May your brooch be as the urim and thummim 
of the old dispensation whose mysterious lights called to en- 
quire the will of God, and your emblematical color, green, 
speak aloud to Him that said : "Whosoever liveth and believeth 
in me shall never die." Where the spirit of the Lord is, there 
is liberty. Greenness springs never from the barren sand, 
but warmed by the sunshine of His favor, and counseled by 
His whisperings of love, you shall be planted as trees in the 
garden of the Lord, and dwell in the house of the Lord for- 
ever. So mote it be. . . . 

"At Perfecting. — The circle is complete. The colors five 
have met your eyes and you have been enlightened by the 
glory thereof. The Star in the East is before you in all its 
rays. Signals and symbols, traditions and ancient tokens 
have yielded their treasures to your perseverance and I hail 



RITUALS. 61 

you members and brothers, protectors of the Eastern Star, 
worthy and true. Let the labors through which I have cheer- 
fully led you yield blessings of consolation in the hour of need. 
As daughters, widows, wives, sisters and sister-in-laws, who 
obey faithfully the precepts of this Order, you will ever be 
under the protection of one who will spread the mantle of his 
love around you when the storm beats furiously. As brother 
protectors you will be a wall to these defenseless ones and 
shed your blood, if need be, that no evil approach them. So 
let your light shine before men that they may see your good 
works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. You have 
seen His Star in the East ! Come ye, then, and worship Him ! 
May the obedience of Jephthah's daughter, and the attach- 
ment of Ruth, and the purity of Esther, and the faith of 
Martha, and the hospitality (truth) of Electa adorn the circle 
of your virtues and stand forth of all the brightest. May 
your grasping hands warn you that in life w^e are but the 
stewards of a Master who has commissioned us to dispense 
His bounties without grudging. May your collar with its 
array of symbols tell to the suffering and the needy that you 
are of those whose first fruits were an oblation to the Lord; 
and your emblematical color, red, recall you to those drops of 
blood that fell to the ground for your sake. In that blood, 
as the Alpha and Omega of the Eastern Star, our labors gain 
their sanction as Christian works. 

"To those red drops, falling as heavy rain from a pierced 
side of Messiah, may you ever turn with perfect hope, and so 
may you live, sisters and brethren, that your obedience, attach- 
ment, purity, faith and hospitality (truth) may survive your 
enduring monument on earth, long after you shall have gone 
to your glorified and eternal rest. 

"So mote it be. . . ." 

No portion of the lectures or secret work was given. 

i THE MOSAIC BOOK. 

In the Mosaic Book the officers of a Constellation were 
designated by symbols as noted, the symbols being found also 
in the border of the charter (see illustration), and were as 
follows : 



62 RITUALS. 

Brothers: Heleon, the first and chief Pillar; President of 

Council; personator of Jephthah. — Lion. 
Philomath, the second Pillar; Lieutenant to Heleon; person- 
ator of Boaz. — Coiled snake. 
Verger, the third Pillar; personator of Ahasuerus; Treas- 
urer. — Raven. 
Herald, the fourth Pillar; personator of St. John; Secre- 
tary. — Eagle. 
Warder, the fifth Pillar; keeper of portals. — Dove. 
Sisters : Luna, the first or chief Correspondent ; personator 

of Adah. — Violets. 
Flora, the second Correspondent; personator of Ruth. — Sun- 
flower. 
Hebe, the third Correspondent; personator of Esther. — ^Lilies. 
Thetis, the fourth Correspondent; personator of Martha. — 

Pine branch with cones. 
Areme, the fifth Correspondent; personator of Electa. — Roses. 
The other emblems found in the border of the charter were 
used in the Mosaic Book as follows : 

Five stars in a blue circle represented the Constellation. 
The gavel represented the five Pillars. 
The heart, the five Correspondents. 
The perfect ashlar, the landmarks. 

The ring, the memorial, ''the semi-annual passport com- 
muicated by the V. E. Grand Secretary to the subordinate 
Constellation for traveling purposes only." 

The sun, the Luminaries, ''the governing officers of the 
Supreme Constellation." 

The Pillars alone had power to appoint the Correspond- 
ents, elect candidates, nominate their own successors and ap- 
point times and places of meetings. Stated meetings were to 
be held weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, bi-monthly, or quar- 
terly, as the By-Laws should specify. Three Pillars were 
necessary for the opening of a Constellation, and five of each 
sex were essential for work. Before opening, the member- 
ship board was purged by the Pillars and Correspondents, and 
the names of any not entitled to attend were erased therefrom. 
Then, only the Pillars and Correspondents being present : 

"Heleon addresses Warder : Sir and Pillar. The Constel- 
lation is about to be opened for the purposes contemplated in 




ROB MORRIS 



EITUALS. 63 

this charter. Your duties will require you to remain without, 
guarding with all diligence the entrance to this place and suf- 
fering neither fear nor favor to influence you in admitting 
improper visitors. Will you perform this trust in truth and 
vigilance ? 

''Warder — What guarantee have I that, in my absence, the 
work of the Constellation will be performed agreeably to the 
Constitution of the Supreme Constellation and the usages of 
the American Adoptive Rite? 

''Heleon — The honor of a Mason. 

''Warder — It is well. I accept it, and, if you will furnish 
me with the means of security, I will guard you in truth and 
vigilance while here assembled. 

"Heleon — Receive the key. (He presents him with the 
key of the room, whereupon the Warder retires to the ante- 
room, locks the door on the outside, and thenceforth, until the 
close of the meeting, the security of the Constellation is under 
his sole and peculiar care. ) 

"Heleon — Ladies and Sirs. The hour of meeting has 
arrived. The precautionary measures of security, both with- 
in and without, have been duly taken, and it is now my will 
that the Christian Star be formed for the purpose of improve- 
ment and social pleasure." 

The officers then assumed their stations (see illustration 
of labyrinth. Chapter IV) and members were admitted two at 
a time. "When convenient, they should be one of each sex, 
the lady walking on the right." They then passed the laby- 
rinth. "The lady should take the left of the gentleman when 
they pass Philomath. As each chair is passed (except 5) they 
make the initiation sign and receive from its occupant the re- 
sponsive sign. Arriving before Heleon, each presents a Tes- 
sera to that officer, who examines it and, if found correct, 
invites them to proper seats." After Scripture readings (Isa. 
Ixiii, 1-6; I Peter ii, 21-25) ^^'^^ prayer, Philomath said: 

"Let us attend to the instructive lessons of our Order. 
We have five degrees, named, respectively, Jephthah's Daugh- 
ter, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa. In these we contem- 
plate certain exalted virtues in their relationship to the history 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that perfect exemplar of all virtues. 
In His eventful and blessed life we view Him resigning His 



64 RITUALS. 

blessed life to fulfill His Father's oath that the soul that sin- 
neth shall die; forsaking His princely mansion in heaven to 
dwell in a humble place on earth; offering pimself a victim 
to rescue His people from impending and eternal death; rely- 
ing, with unswerving faith, upon the promises of God; and, 
finally, sacrificing all things, fame, power, friends and life in 
testimony of the religion He came to establish. Was there 
ever love like His ?" 

Which was followed by a rehearsal, by the Correspond- 
ents, of the signs, meaning of emblems, etc., each followed by 
a response by Philomiath, of which the following is a speci- 
men: 

"It is well. And when a sister in distress hails us with 
that sign, we will recall the merits of Electa and of you, my 
sister, her representative; be reminded of our covenant of 
adoption, and, responding with the pass of this degree, afford 
her prompt relief. Brothers, shall it be so? All reply, 
Even so." 

The closing ceremony was very brief, but embraced the 
prayer, "Holy and merciful God." 

At the time of initiation the Herald thus addressed the can- 
didate in the anteroom : 

"The objects for which we are banded together are to 
comfort, protect and aid each other through the labyrinth of 
human life, and make its hardships light by means of cheerful 
companionship and social pleasures. . . . We are tongue- 
tied against slandering any member of this Order, and bound 
with chains and fetters against doing one of them any manner 
of wrong. You will in like manner be placed under restraint. 
We are all of us, in faith. Christians, and it is a large part of 
the business of this society to rehearse the life and doctrines 
of Christ and endeavor to imitate and practice upon His ex- 
ample. In this faith and in these works you, too, will be 
expected to participate." 

After her entrance, Thetis, acting as Conductress, came 
forward, took the candidate by both hands and thus addressed 
her: 

"Welcome, my dear friend, to our Constellation. The rec- 
ommendations you bring us have convinced us that you are a 
proper subject for the light of Adoptive Masonry. We trust 



RITUALS. 65 

the lessons that we shall teach you here will both please and 
instruct you. Human life is a labyrinth through which we 
wander, too often, alas ! blindly and in ignorance. It is good 
for us to have a friendly form by our side who has trod this 
way before us, and a friendly hand that can guide us with 
infallible certainty and safety through its most intricate mazes. 
Such a companion may be found in Jesus Christ, who lived 
as we are living, died as we must die, and went before us to 
heaven to prepare a place for us. Permit me, however, on 
the present occasion to act as your guide through a labyrinth 
which otherwise you could not pass, and to lead you to the 
presence of our enlightened chief officer. But receive first of 
all this copy of the divine guide of life." 

A small Bible was then presented to the candidate and the 
labyrinth passed, a halt being made before each officer, when 
a dialogue took place of which this will give an idea: 

"Herald — What bringest thou? 

''Thetis — I know not. 

''Herald — You know not? 

"Thetis — But I have a hope. 

"Herald — What hopest thou, then? 

"Thetis— Affection. 

"Herald— It is well. Pass, Affection." 

The several "hopes" were Amiability, Charity, Constancy, 
Delicacy, Discretion and Faith. 

Arriving at her station, Thetis said : 

"This is the seat that I have vacated for a time, that I may 
assist your wandering steps through our labyrinth. We are 
taught in the lessons of Adoptive Masonry to resign at times 
our comforts and ease, that by so doing we can benefit our 
fellow-creatures. Be seated. Soon may you be enlightened, 
my dear friend, to fill this or some other station in our Order. 
Whenever wearied on the journey of human life, may you 
always find, as now you do, a friend who has a place and a 
heart to refresh you. Rise now and let us be going." 

Arriving at Heleon, he repeated the covenant of adoption, 
which consisted of five ties, covering, i, secrecy; 2, obedience 
to laws ; 3, advice, sympathy and aid ; 4, avoiding unkiridness ; 
5, to model life upon example of Jesus Christ. It being as- 
sented to, he said : 



66 RITUALS. 

''It is well. We readily accept the pledge you make us. 
We share with you in this covenant and do now accept you 

into our band. Herald, make record that Sister , the 

of Brother , an affiliated Master Mason, is now 

initiated into the American Adoptive Rite." 

After an intermission the signs were repeated and Heleon 
further addressed the candidate: 

"My sister, we hail with true pleasure your coming 
amongst us. The work of Adoptive Masonry is amply suffi- 
cient for us all, and we shall rejoice to find you excelling in 
your zeal that of the most devoted members of our society. 
We are laboring to increase our own happiness and to promote 
that of others. Our experience and the wisdom we gain from 
the Scriptures alike teach us that this world is a harsh, un- 
friendly scene, poorly adapted to impart felicity, and that it is 
chiefly by combining the efforts of the good and true, in the 
work of morality and religion, that happiness is to be acquired 
and extended. The greater our ability to do good the more 
pleasure we shall enjoy. We meet in private, that we may 
arrange our plans for the good work in which we are engaged 
without interruption from those who can not understand or 
sympathize with us. In our meetings we strive to learn our 
duty as beings who possess an immortal part, and when we 
return home it is our care to perform them. We cultivate a 
spirit of harmony that the enemy of souls may acquire no 
advantage over us. And as a large portion of our work as 
Adopted Masons lies in acquiring the doctrines and temper 
of Jesus Christ, whom truly to know is everlasting life, we 
often unite to address the heavenly throne and to plead with 
God that the very spirit of faith and wisdom may descend 
upon us and make our meeting place a place like heaven. In 
such a prayer let us now with cheerful faith combine." 

Then followed the prayer, "Source of all Wisdom." 

Both stellae and protectors might pass through the initia- 
tory ceremonies, but the five degrees were only conferred upon 
stellse, and in conferring them one of the Correspondents rep- 
resented the candidate. The degrees, with the exception of 
that of Martha, were given in dramatic form, and, it will be 
seen, required considerable talent. 



I RITUALS. 67 

ADAH. 

In the degree of Jephthah's Daughter, the candidate being 
announced as in readiness, the five Correspondents retired to 
receive her, when she was addressed : 

**Luna — My dear sister! you are about to represent Adah^ 
the devoted woman, the daughter of Jephthah's, the Gileadite, 
who resigned her life to fulfill the oath of her father. Care- 
fully observe whatever passes under your notice, my dear 
sister, and let the impressive lessons of this degree sink deeply 
into your heart." 

The covenant of adoption was rehearsed and assented to, 
after which the ladies entered and remained by the door. Be- 
hind a curtain which divided the hall a sound as of trampling 
feet and music was heard. 

"Luna — Hosanna ! they come ! they come ! The prayer of 
my father has prevailed with God. He has given him the vic- 
tory. Hosanna! they come! they come! Oh, the raptures of 
this hour ! For this have I waited ; for this my prayers have 
ascended day and night to heaven. Hosanna ! they come ! 
they come ! Soon I shall meet my father, no more to be sep- 
arated. Soon I shall crown him with this wreath of triumph 
and my nation will hail him as their deliverer. Hosanna! 
ihey come ! they come ! On the brow of yonder hill I already 
see their banners and the glitter of their spears. I hear their 
music echoing from the mountain side. Oh, God of Israel! 
thou alone art God, and there is none other ! 

''The curtain is now drawn aside, and Heleon, who repre- 
sents Jephthah, enters with a sword in his hand, accompanied 
by the other Pillars. 

''Heleon — Once more I see my native village and the 
dwelling place of my child. Soon I shall greet her, and, in 
the history of my exploits and the joys of victory, forget all 
the dangers to which I have been exposed. Beloved Adah! 
how must your gentle heart now bound with joy. But, here 
I pause to recall the solemn vow I made when last I stood upon 
this spot. As I went forth, in the might of Israel's God, to 
repel the hosts of Ammon, I swore with uplifted hand, when 
I returned home in peace, whatsoever should come forth from 
the doors of mv house to meet me, it should be the Lord's and 



68 RITUALS. 

I would offer it up for a burnt offering. Now I pause to learn 
what shall be the victim. The pet lamb of my beloved Adah 
was wont to run and meet me when I returned from the moun- 
tain chase. It were a harsh welcome to my daughter to slay 
her gentle favorite ; yet my oath is registered in heaven. I am 
becoming anxious. Trumpets, sound again! that Adah may 
know of my approach and send out some messenger to 
meet me. 

''The trampling of feet and music are renewed. The 
ladies, who have remained near the door, now move slowly 
toward Heleon. As his eye falls upon them, he starts in an- 
guish, cries aloud: Alas! my daughter! and then, falling upon 
his knees, buries his face in his hands. The ladies approach 
liim, and 

''Luna — My father, why this distress? 

"Heleon — Alas ! my daughter ! 

"Luna — What has thy daughter done to distress thee ? 

"Heleon — Thou hast brought me very low ! 

"Luna — Father, father, what cruel words are these? 

"Heleon — Thou art one of them that trouble me; for I 
have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I can not turn back. 

"Heleon arises, and after a short pause continues slowly 
and solemnly : 

"Daughter! beloved and only child! when I went forth at 
the head of the army of Israel, I felt that in God alone could 
I hope for victory. Therefore I consecrated myself in solemn 
prayer to Him. And I vowed a vow that should I return vic- 
torious and in peace, whatsoever should come forth to meet 
me should be the Lord's — a victim — a burnt offering! Oh, 
my daughter! how little did I anticipate this result! How 
much better had I perished by the sword of Amnion! Alas, 
my daughter! my vow is registered in heaven. My soul is 
perjured. I shall- be miserable both in this world and in the 
next; for I can not, can not take thy life. 

"Luna — My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto 
the Lord, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out 
of thy mouth. Better that I should die, dear father, than that 
thou lose thy soul. Yea, rather a thousand deaths. I will die, 



RITUALS. 69 

and our people shall see that Adah was worthy to be the 
daughter of Jephthah, the deliverer of his people. 

"She takes the sword from her father's hand and examines 
the blade. Then, with a pathetic impulse, she adds : 

"But oh, my father, in this first hour of your return, while 
the nation is exulting in your victory, it is hard to die today ! 
I can not submit my neck to this sword today. Give me a 
little time to contemplate this awful change and prepare for it. 
I ask for tw^o months to fit my mind for death. Let me go in 
the mountains, in the company of these maidens, for two 
months, and I will surely return. 

"Heleon— Go, my daughter, and the God of truth go with 
thee. 

"The ladies return to the door, while Heleon remains in 
his place. After a few minutes' separation they return, Jeph- 
thah's daughter being crowned with a wreath. 

"Luna — Father, I am come again, agreeably to my pledge. 
In the caves of the mountains, in answer to my earnest pray- 
ers, I have found resignation and peace. I am come, will- 
ingly, I trust, to fulfill your vow, and give myself a victim. 
For this purpose, with this wreath that I prepared to celebrate 
your victory, I am crowned. My father, do not afflict your 
heart too much at my sacrifice. Be resigned to the will of 
God. And when you think of me, and remember how will- 
ingly I suffered this, to save you from dishonor, do not forget, 
in your anguish at my loss, the splendid triumph God granted 
you in answer to your vow. Father — friends — life — fare- 
well. A long, a last farewell. 

"She folds her hands resignedly and casts her eyes upward : 

"Do not delay the fatal blow. 

"Heleon — My daughter ! there is another world, where the 
errors of this life shall be forgiven and sorrow lost in universal 
joy. I will meet you there. 

"Casts the veil over her face. All present cover their 
faces with their veils. She instantly throws her veil back 
upon the floor, they imitating her, and speaks with great res- 
olution : 

"Luna — Nay, father, I did not consent to this. I can not 
permit my eyes to be covered. I will die in the light. 



70 RITUALS. 

"She again folds her arms, and looks upward. He picks 
up the veil, and, while again casting it over her face, says : 

"Heleon — My daughter, I can not strike you while your 
eyes are fixed upon mine. 

**She throws it off as before, but with more determination, 
and says : 

''Luna — Then I will turn them away from you; I will fix 
them upon yonder mountain tops, where I found peace. But 
you shall not put me to death in the dark. 

''Turns from him and folds her arms as before. He re- 
gains the veil, and going behind her says, while he covers her 
face the third time : 

"Heleon — Do not disobey me thus, my daughter! It is 
necessary you should consent to this. 

"She throws it from her face, but retains the end of it in 
her hands, grasping it with much force. Turning toward 
him, with a firm and steady look and voice, she says : 

"Luna — I declare to you, my father, I will never consent 
to this. To die with my face covered, like a criminal, would 
be a mark of perpetual infamy and disgrace — a stain upon my 
memory. This multitude, who have come to witness my 
death, would be persuaded that I am suffering the penalty of 
my own crime. I will not thus be debased, and my name go 
down to the future dishonored. I die innocent. I die not 
for myself, but for another, even for you. I die to maintain 
your integrity — and if you will not suffer me to preserve my 
good name, upon your head be the penalty, for I will not sub- 
mit to death at all. 

"She casts her eyes upward. 

"Heleon — Let it be so, then. Have your desire. 

"Here ends the ceremony. Heleon invites the candidate 
to be seated." 

RUTH. 

After an introduction similar to the preceding, and the 
repetition of the covenant of adoption, Areme, who represents 
Naomi, addresses Flora, who represents Ruth : 

"Areme — My daughter, we have nothing left us now but 
to trust in God. Our money is expended ; our last morsel of 
food is consumed ; I have called at every house where a friend 



I 



RITUALS. 71 

or relative once resided, and liave sought relief, but in vain. 
My friends do not recognize my claim. My relatives are 
dead, or the few who survive have forgotten me. All my 
humiliation has been in vain. The Almighty hath dealt very 
bitterly with me. I pray you, then, my daughter, no longer 
attempt to share my cheerless lot, but rather return to your 
own princely home and friends, and be happy there. You 
have already sacrificed too much for me. Go, dear Ruth, and 
leave me to my fate. 

''Flora — Entreat me not to leave thee or to return from fol- 
lowing after thee ; for whither thou goest I will go, and where 
thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and 
thy God my God; where thou diest will I die, and there will I 
be buried; the Lord do so to me and more also if aught but 
death part thee and me ! I will go, my mother, into the barley 
fields and glean. It can not be but that some liberal man 
among this people may yet take compassion upon our distress 
and afford me the means of maintaining you ; while I have the 
strength to toil for your subsistence you shall not suffer want. 
Give me your blessing, then, my mother, and let me go. 

''Areme — Nay, my daughter, I will go. Such hardships 
are not for you. Our long journey from Moab has already 
exhausted your strength, and you could not endure it. So 
delicately nurtured as you have been, the hot sun in the barley 
fields would overpower you; I am more accustomed to toil, 
and I will go. 

'Tlora — The strength of a good resolution will support 
me. Give me your blessing and let me go. 

''Areme — The Lord recompense thy work, and a full re- 
ward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose 
wings thou art come to trust. 

"The ladies now move toward the curtain, which is thrown 
aside, and they behold a representation of a barley field, in 
which workmen and gleaners are engaged. Upon the floor 
appear sheaves and loose straw. The Pillars are observed to 
be arranging the sheaves — one of them, the overseer, having 
a sickle in his hand. Flora picks up a few bits of straw with 
apparent fatigue, and then rising, speaks, as if to herself : 

"Flora — I feel that Naomi spake truly. The sun glares 



72 RITUALS. 

Upon my head like a sheet of flame. The stubble scorches my 
feet like coals of fire. My heart begins to sink within me. I 
feel that I must faint. I will return to Naomi. Oh, God of 
Israel, for whom I have forsaken all things, witness my dis- 
tress, and hear the widow's cry ! Give me help ! 

''Goes near the door and reclines against the wall as if 
exhausted. Philomath, who represents Boaz, and who has 
been thus far in the background, out of view, now comes 
among the reapers with a basket in his hand and speaks to the 
overseer : 

''Philomath — It is well. The workmen have done a good 
task today. Call them around me now and let them partake 
of the refreshments I have provided. — Observes Ruth — But 
what — who — whose damsel is this? 

"Herald — It is the Moabitish damsel who came back with 
Naomi, out of the country of Moab, and she said to me : I 
pray you let me glean and gather after the reapers, among the 
sheaves. So she came, and hath continued here, even from 
the morning until now. 

"Philomath — She appears to be fatigued. She is quite 
exhausted. 

"Herald — Sir, it is plain she has not been accustomed to 
hardships like these. I observed early this morning how pain- 
fully the stubble scorched her feet, and with what difficulty 
she gathered up the gleanings. And as the sun came over us 
she has drooped more and more, until, like a stricken lily, she 
bows her head and can do no more. Sir, observe her with 
those two handfuls of barley; it is all she has gathered today. 

"Philomath — God has sent her to us that she may find 
relief. I will invite her to partake of these refreshments. 

"He advances towards her. As she observes him ap- 
proaching, she raises her head, and, looking towards heaven, 
speaks as if to herself : 

"Flora — It is the owner of the field. What should he 
want of me but to insult and reproach me? O cruel people! 
shall I not find one friendly soul among you? He takes me 
to be an intruder — peradventure a thief — and he will drive me 
from the field. Oh, God of Israel, for whom I have forsaken 



RITUALS. 73 

all things, witness now my distress, and hear the widow's cry ! 
Give me help! 

"Holds up her two handfuls of barley to show him that 
she is but a poor gleaner, and gazes intently towards heaven. 
Philomath comes before her and speaks : 

* 'Philomath — Ruth, it has been fully showed me all that 
thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine 
husband, and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, 
and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people that 
thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy 
work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of 
Israel, under whose wings thou dost trust. Come with me, 
and partake of the refreshments which I have provided for 
my reapers. 

''They all gather around the basket and partake, accosting 
one another with cheerful words. After a minute or two 
Philomath addresses Herald : 

"Philomath — Let her glean, even among the sheaves, and 
reproach her not; and let fall also some of the handfuls of 
purpose for her ; and leave them, that she may glean them, and 
rebuke her not." 

ESTHER. 

After introduction and rehearsal of the covenant of adop- 
tion: 

"Hebe (who represents Esther) — All is now in readiness 
for the effort. L have done all I could to prepare for this 
trial, and nothing remains but to make the attempt. By 
prayer and fasting, for three days and nights, I have endeav- 
ored to secure the favor of God. For is it not for His dear 
sake that I am thus imperiling all that I hold dear? In this 
cruel edict my life is not attempted, nor should I personally 
suffer this dreadful penalty. But, oh, my people ! the hunted 
exiles of Judah! doomed nation of God! to what a fate are 
you exposed! How can I live and see you destroyed? Bet- 
ter that we all perish together, and the faithfulness of death 
seal the friendship cemented in life. This is the last day that 
remains for me to accomplish my purpose, and even now it is 
full late. I will go in unto the king, which is not according to 
the law, and if I perish I perish. Maidens, robe me for the 



74 RITUALS. 

sacrifice. Give me a garb of purest white, and the golden 
crown upon my head. Peradventure, when the king beholds 
me thus arrayed, he will be reminded of the solemn vow which, 
in years gone by, he made me, and I shall accomplish my 
purpose. 

''The attendants tie the white scarf over her left shoulder, 
so that it crosses her breast to the right side, and place the 
crown upon her head. 

''Hebe — Now, my maidens, let us move forward, and 
while we approach the gate of the palace in which life or death 
awaits us, let your hearts, with mine, be directed to that throne 
whence cometh all our help. 

"They move slowly forward. 

"Hebe — Be pleased, oh. Lord, to deliver me: oh. Lord, 
make haste to help me. Withhold not thou thy tender mercy 
from me, oh. Lord ; let thy loving kindness and thy truth con- 
tinually preserve me. Why art thou cast down, oh, my soul ? 
and why art thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in God ; 
for I will yet praise Him who is the help of my countenance 
and my God. 

"Marching two and two, they approach the guards, who 
are seated in front of the curtain. The guards rise, cross 
their swords before her, and: 

"Philomath — Back! You can not pass here! Back, I 
say! Do you not know that this is the king's palace and that 
we are his guards ? 

"Hebe — Stand aside! I command you. I am your queen, 
and will enter. Guards, stand aside! 

"Philomath — Madam, I recognize you and respect you, 
both for your station and your character. Your kindness and 
affability to all yOur subjects have endeared your memory 
throughout the nation. I know that your word here is law. 
Yet it is at your peril if you enter this place. Today is the 
grand council of the nation. With the king are assembled 
the princes and rulers of the land, and his majesty will on this 
occasion, more than all others, be offended at your intrusion. 
I pray you, royal madam, do not pass. 

"Hebe — Stand aside. I have estimated the peril and I 
will undertake it. Let me pass ! 



RITUALS. 75 

''Herald — Royal madam, it is an inviolable law of the pal- 
ace that no person shall enter unless summoned by the king, 
under penalty of death. I entreat you to be warned before 
your blood stains those walls. If you enter, it is to certain 
death. 

"Hebe — ^Let me pass, and no longer delay my enterprise. 
The responsibility be upon my own head. 

"Herald — Pass, then, and may God protect you ! 

"The curtain is here drawn aside and exhibits the grand 
council. The king is seated; the other officers are standing 
on his right and left; he wears a crown upon his head, and 
bears in his right hand a scepter. As the ladies enter he is 
speaking to those around him : 

"Verger — As to this accursed nation, let their destruction 
be sharp and sure. See that no lingering slaughter or pro- 
tracted death makes their fate uncertain; but in one day, yea, 
if it be possible, in one hour, let the sword reach them, old and 
young, until not one be left. Then shall my kingdom 

"At this instant his eye falls upon Hebe, and he abruptly 
pauses. He rises to his feet, his countenance expressing the 
greatest surprise and anger. 

"Verger — What means this intrusion? Guards, upon 
your lives be this act. Are my strictest orders thus to be dis- 
regarded? Were it my mother, she should die. Take her at 
once to the courtyard and put her to death. 

"The guards rush upon her and seize her by each hand to 
lead her away. She accompanies them a few paces, then 
snatches her hands from theirs, turns towards the king, and 
. . . The king speaks quickly, and in a softened tone : 

"Verger — Stop, guards ; release her. Return to your 
posts. Esther, my queen, approach hither and receive my 
pardon. 

"She advances to him . . . 

"Verger — What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy 
request? It shall even be granted thee to the half of the 
kingdom." 

MARTHA. 

This degree is communicated without ceremonial, and to 
all the candidates simultaneously. This was found necessary, 



76 RITUALS. 

as the principal male character in the dialogue would neces- 
sarily have represented the Lord Jesus Christ, whom to at- 
tempt thus to personate would be blasphemous. 

ELECTA. 

In this Herald represented St. John, and Areme, Electa. 

Herald, who is on the inner side of the veil, is heard as if 
reading from a letter he has just received : 

''That the new religion be crushed out of every nation 
where the Roman rule prevails ; that its votaries, one and all, 
be required to renounce it or be mercilessly sacrificed ; that the 
Roman soldiers — ah, cruel band ! — visit the dwelling of every 
suspected Christian, and see that he acquit himself of the sus- 
picion by trampling upon the cross. Take notice. Most Wor- 
shipful Grand Master, and govern yourself accordingly. 

"Ah, cruel emperor! Ah, hapless people! Alas, the per- 
secuted church of Christ, what will avail you now? People 
of the living Saviour, whither now will you flee ? Is there no 
rest but the grave for the friends of Jesus? And you, pious 
Electa, true-hearted sister of Christ, delight of all who love 
the Lord, what will be your fate now ? How will you sustain 
this dreadful trial? Many will deny in these latter days of 
persecution, and purchase a miserable life by denying Him 
who gave His life as a ransom for many. Will your name be 
added to that traitorous band ? I tremble to consider it. Yet, 
how many, who have been devoted to Him in the day of ease 
and quiet, afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for 
the Word's sake, are offended. I am oppressed with anxiety 
concerning this woman. If Electa is found to shrink under 
this calamity, who, then, will be faithful? Aged and infirm 
as I am, under the yoke of five score years, I will arise and go 
to her dwelling to satisfy my mind that she is faithful. And 
that she may not easily recognize me until I have communi- 
cated this message, I will disguise myself in the garb of a 
Roman soldier, the bitterest enemy of the cross, and thus pre- 
sent myself at her door. 

"The curtain is now drawn aside and exhibits Herald 
armed with a sword. He walks slowly, as if with weariness 
and pain, towards the door of entrance. Arrived there, he 
halts and soliloquizes : 



RITUALS. 77 

'The task is more than I reckoned it. Had the distance 
been a Httle greater I could not have accomplished it. Five 
score years have done their work too faithfully for such jour- 
neys as these. I will apply for admission. — He knocks. — 
Dusty and disguised as I am in this garb, Electa will surely be 
unable to recognize me. I am quite exhausted. 

''He leans upon the sword in his left hand, by the side of 
the door. The ladies approach him. Areme, who represents 
Electa, observes him narrowly and halts. She soliloquizes : 

"A soldier! A Roman soldier! The butchers of Christ, 
and the insatiable ravagers of His flock ! What does he here ? 
Why has he chosen to call upon me? But my duty is plain, 
whatever may be his motives, and I will dispense to him Chris- 
tian hospitality. I perceive he is very aged and infirm. He 
appears overcome with heat and fatigue. I will hesitate no 
longer. Perhaps God has sent him here for his soul's good. — 
She goes to him and takes him kindly by the hand. — My aged 
brother, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, welcome to my 
dwelling. Let it be your home while you tarry here. Enter. 
The liberal hand of Providence has endowed me richly with 
the means of hospitality. Enter, and, as if sent by Him, par- 
take freely of His benefits. — She leads him a little way and 
seats him. — ^Let me refresh you with water. — She brings him 
water, of which he drinks. — The day is hot, the roads are hard 
and dusty, your journey has been too great for you. It was 
often so with our blessed Saviour, who, in His ministry, used 
to pass this way when I was but a child. Hungry and thirsty 
and weary as you are, He has often realized in this very dwell- 
ing how bitter is the lot of man. Now, my brother, you seem 
refreshed; the color mounts to your cheek and light comes 
again to your eye. Does the name of Christ bring such ani- 
mation to your soul? Ah, I have experienced its benefits. 
Cheer up, then, cheer up, aged friend. There shall be nothing 
wanting for your comfort here. The love of Christ constrain- 
eth me, and whatever I have is your own. Speak, brother, 
and command me what I shall do for you. 

"Herald — I am hungry. Since the morning watch I have 
not broken bread. Yet a few crusts will suffice me, and I will 
be thankful. 



78 RITUALS. 

"Areme — No crusts from me. While Electa has an 
abounding Providence for her own support, the wayfarer 
whom Christ may direct hither shall not have crusts. — She 
presents him a dish covered with food. — Take of the best my 
house affords and welcome. — After a few minutes she brings 
him a cup of wine. — Accept this cup of the richest wine my 
house affords. May its generous flavor give you new strength 
and prove, at least, the earnest of your welcome. — After he 
has drank she continues : But what further token of hospital- 
ity can I offer you ? Speak, brother, and command me, what 
I shall do for you. 

^'Herald draws forth an empty purse and hands to her. — 
My purse is empty, my home far away. I have but little 
strength to labor for money. Give me a few farthings to 
enable me to reach the next village and I will be thankful. 

''Areme — Nay, not a few farthings. — She fills the purse as 
if with gold. — But rather let me furnish you the means for 
your entire journey. And when you shall once again reach 
that distant home, may you find its loved ones all in health 
and prepared to greet you. — She returns the purse. — But all 
your wants are not yet supplied. Speak again, brother, and 
command me. What shall I do for you ? 

"Herald — My raiment is old and worn. Yet I shall not 
much longer need a covering, therefore, if your husband or 
servants have any cast-off garments you would bestow upon 
me, I would be thankful. 

"Areme — Not so, my brother; I will deal more bountifully 
with you than you ask. — She presents him with a bundle, as if 
filled with clothing. — Here is the best in our wardrobe, and 
may they give you comfort and warmth until you reach your 
distant home and friends. But is there not something fur- 
ther I can do for you? Think: I should feel loth to know 
that any left me in distress while I have the means for their 
relief. 

''Herald — No, kind lady; nothing further. All that I was 
in want of has been supplied me, and for your generous bounty 
believe me I am thankful. But now that I am refreshed and 
able to deliver my message, I will inform you what is my busi- 
ness in this part of the country. The emperor of Rome has 



RITUALS. 79 

been pleased to issue an edict to the effect 'that the new re- 
ligion be crushed out from every nation where the Roman rule 
prevails ; that its votaries, one and all, be required to renounce 
it or be mercilessly sacrificed; that the Roman soldiers visit 
the dwelling of every suspected Christian, and see that he 
acquit himself of the suspicion by trampling upon the cross/ 
I have, therefore, come to inquire of you, as of one who is best 
acquainted throughout this region, are there any Christians 
among your neighbors, and, if so, to demand their names. — 
He looks her steadily in the face. She returns his look with 
a surprised air, but makes no reply. After a brief pause he 
continues: Madam, there is something suspicious in your 
silence. Why should you hesitate to reply? Are there any 
Christians in your family ? Your manner would seem to indi- 
cate it. Give me their names, or you will suffer the penalty 
as though you were one in person. — He again pauses and 
looks in her face as before, but she makes no reply. He rises 
and continues : Madam, can it be that you are a Christian — 
one so wealthy, so accomplished, so hospitable? Can it be 
possible that you have subjected yourself to such a horrid 
doom? But, no; there is a means of escape; there is a 
method, easy and sure, by which this terrible punishment may 
be avoided. Madam, you have been kind to me in my hour 
of distress, and I will show you that I am grateful. — He draws 
from his pocket a small black cross. — According to the terms 
of the law, whoever is suspected of being a Christian may 
acquit himself of the suspicion by trampling on the cross. 
You will preserve your life, your property and the lives of 
your husband and children by casting this upon the floor and 
putting your foot upon it. Then I will go forth and declare 
that you have submitted to the law and renounced the Chris- 
tian religion. Take it. 

''All this time she has not ceased to look him sternly and 
indignantly in the face. But now she takes the cross from 
his hand, her countenance changes to tenderness, she presses 
the cross ardently to her lips and bosom; then she speaks: 
Sir, are you a demon in the form of humanity, that you strive 
to imperil my soul with these allurements ? And think you I 
am terrified with your threats ? Why, what is there in all you 



80 RITUALS. 

have said to move me ? Have I not lived fifteen years daily- 
expecting, waiting, desiring this message, and shall it shake 
me now? You ask me, too, if I am a Christian, and you pro- 
fess to be astonished to discover that I am a Christian. Did I 
not meet you at my threshold and welcome you in the name of 
Jesus Christ? Have I not fed you and tended upon your 
wants for the sake of Jesus Christ? What was there in you 
or me independent of my faith in the Crucified One which 
should prompt me to such actions ? Cease, then, your allure- 
ments and spare me the further recital of my perils. I am a 
Christian. This family, one and all, are Christians. One and 
all we have long been prepared to render up all things for the 
sake of Him who gave all things to us. Go on, then, and do 
your duty. Spare no part of it for the remembrance of my 
hospitality, and God, for Christ's sake, will enable me to do 
mine. — She places herself in the position . . . 

"Herald lays aside his sword and speaks kindly to her: 
Electa, my sister, tried and true, look upon me again. Do you 
not know me ? I am John. 

"Areme — ^John! It is, indeed! Oh, sir, how could you 
try my feelings in this cruel manner ? 

"Herald — That I might learn the strength of your reli- 
gious character. I confess, my dear sister, that I feared this 
alarming and most unexpected intelligence might shake your 
faith, and I disguised myself in this manner to try you unob- 
served. But all is clear now; your gold is altogether pure; 
you are the fairest among ten thousand and altogether lovely. 
Electa, in a few days you may expect this scene, which has 
tried you so, will be realized. The soldiers will come, and the 
rest will follow. I see in store for you a terrible sacrifice and 
a cruel death. But you need no pity. Your reward is in 
heaven, and soon shall I meet you there to rehearse the events 
which are now nigh at hand. Electa, we will Masonically 
embalm your religious fortitude and your triumphant death. 
As Grand Master of Masons I will institute a degree to be 
entitled after your name, which shall perpetuate your history 
among us while there is a woman's eye to weep or a man's 
heart to feel for the sorrows of suffering virtue." 

Accompanying the degrees were lectures much longer than 



RITUALS. 81 

those contained in the present ritual, which were all given by 
Heleon. Jephthah was described as "a pious man, a devoted 
father and exemplary Mason ;" Mahlon, "a devoted Freema- 
son," and in the same catagory came Boaz, Ahasuerus and 
Lazarus; while the husband of Electa was said to be the suc- 
cessor of St. John in the Grand Mastership. 
MOSAIC SECOND. 
This was substantially a reprint of the Mosaic Book, words 
being substituted for symbols and allusions to Part Three 
omitted, as were also the Tuilleur and the illustrations of the 
manner of giving the signs. 

MORRIS'S MANUAL. 

This was prepared solely for communicating the degrees, 
and opened with an explanation of Freemasonry and its bene- 
fits to woman, the obligation administered being one of secrecy 
only. The signet was explained, together with the signs, fol- 
lowed by the lectures, which were adapted from those con- 
tained in the Mosaic Book. Each was followed by an ex- 
planation of the appropriate signs, emblems and colors, which 
were fully described in the manuscript accompanying it. 
BOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS, 186L 

This was to be used -in connection with Morris's Manual, 
and provided for the communicating of the degrees in Fam- 
ilies, concerning which see Chapter II. The opening ode was : 

"0, that in this world of weeping, 

Widow's tear and orphan's cry. 
Hearts their term of trial keeping, 

Would but melt in sympathy. 
O, that we, each sister, brother. 

Traveling on the self-same road, 
In our love for one another. 

Would but love the love of God. 

For that love would surely teach us 

Ne'er to crush a burdened heart. 
By the tender thoughts that reach us 

When we see a tear-drop start; 
And the lonely, poor and saddened. 

In their almost cheerless grief, 
By our liberal bounty gladdened. 

Would acknowledge the relief. 



82 RITUALS. ; 

Here, then, met in social pleasure, 

Here before the Word divine, 
While our life contains the treasure, 

Let us in this covenant join — 
Tears to dry, to comfort sighing, 

Gentle words and smiles to strew — 
By the sick and by the dying. 

Patient, Godlike love to show. 

Then, though we must part like others. 

And the dead be joined among. 
In the hearts of sisters, brothers. 

We shall be remembered long. 
Those that speak of us shall name us 

As the dead to memory dear, 
And the page of friendship claim us 

Worthy of a grateful tear." 

This was followed by Scripture reading, it being recom- 
mended that passages be selected which refer to the histories 
of Jephthah's daughter, Ruth, Esther and Martha; also the 
more pathetic passages from the Gospels, such as the raising 
of the son of the widow of Nain, Christ's agony in the garden, 
Christ blessing little children, the crucifixion, etc. 

In this work a social grip and Family hail were used, but I 
have been unable to find that any one now living has a knowl- 
edge as to what they were. The membership board (see illus- 
tration) was filled up by writing on the under side, about half 
way from the center to the circumference, thus : ''Mary A. 
Carneal," in plain round hand, taking great pains to spell each 
name correctly. Directly over each lady's name, upon the 
upper side of the ray, write the name of the gentleman through 
whom she is adopted as a sister in Adopted Masonry, thus: 
"John A. Carneal." This being done, write in the broad part 
of the ray, near the center of the picture, the class of ladies to 
which each lady belongs, viz. : ''Wife, widow, sister, or 
daughter." 

The Patron and Patroness were the sole judges as to the 
candidates, both for the Eastern Star degree and for member- 
ship in the Family, although they were compelled to recognize 
an objection from a member. The Eastern Star degree was 
first communicated as per Morris's Manual. The conferring 



RITUALS. 83 

of the Family degree commenced by the introduction of the 
candidate by the Conductress, as follows : 

''Enlightened Patron: It becomes my pleasant duty to 

introduce to you our sister in Adoptive Masonry, Mrs. A 

B . This lady has received the degree of the Eastern 

Star, having first made an inviolable pledge of secrecy accord- 
ing to our rules. She has heard with emotion the painful yet 
glorious history of Jephthah's daughter ; she has contemplated 
the noble self-devotion of Ruth and Esther; she has witnessed 
the tears of the faithful Martha, and has paid the tribute of 
her own generous sympathy to the martyrdom of the Christian 
Electa; she desires now to make one of this Family of the 
Eastern Star, where such histories are studied and such virtues 
emulated, and she has entered amongst us, determined to bear 
her part in this good work." 

To this the Patron responded in much the same style as 
Heleon addressed the candidate in the INIosaic Book: "We 
hail with true pleasure," etc. 

Every female member of the Family was requested to 
select an emblem, and the Recorder was required to keep a 
book in which the emblems were recorded. 

The ceremony of selection was as follows : 

"Esteemed sister, the language of flowers has been studied 
and applied in all ages. The earth is vocal with the praises of 
God from the tongues of unnumbered blossoms in vale and 
meadow, by the'brookside and upon the mountains; and these 
voices are heard and echoed in the hearts of all who in every 
nation have learned to adore Him. In our society the graces 
of Jephthah's daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa are 
inculcated by means of emblems selected from the fields of 
nature. 

"The character of Jephthah's daughter is illustrated by the 
blue violet. This beautiful, modest flower, in its bashful 
timidity, conceals itself amidst foliage from the face of the 
sun. Of the blue violet the poet has happily said : 

"I know thou art oft 

Passed carelessly by, 
And the hue so soft 

Of thine azure eye 
Gleams unseen, unsought, in its leafv bower. 



84 RITUALS. 

While the heartless prefer some statelier flower, 
That they eagerly cull, and when faded fling 
Away with rude hand, as a worthless thing. 
Not such is thy fate; not thy beauty's gift 
Alone, bids thee from thy bower be reft; — 
Not thy half-closing dewy and deep blue eye, 
But the charm that doth not with beauty die; 
'Tis thy mild, soft fragrance makes thee so dear, 
Thou loveliest gem of the floral year! 

''Such was the character of the Israehtish maiden, Jeph- 
thah's daughter. Modest and bashful, shrinking from the 
gaze of men, her life had been passed in the retirement of her 
father's dwelling until the sublime occasion called her forth 
which is so beautifully explained in our tradition. The blue 
violet therefore is sacred to the memory of Jephthah's 
daughter. 

"The character of Ruth is illustrated by the sunflower. 
This broad and stately blossom, which steadily faces the sun 
from his oriental to his occidental course, is an emblem of 
lofty and pure" thoughts. 

''As the poet expresses it: 

"Herein will I imitate the sun; 
Who doth permit the base contagious clouds 
To smother up his beauty from the world, 
That when he please again to be himself. 
Being wanted, he may be more wondered at 
By breaking through the foul and ugly mists 
Of vapors that seem to strangle him. 

"Such was the character of the Moabitish damsel, who 
came 'from Moab's hills to Bethlehem's gates.' 

"In her days of prosperity her wealth and rank had but 
gilded the bright purity of her soul; and in her poverty and 
desertion, when toiling, a poor gleaner in the fields of Boaz, 
the unalloyed graces of Ruth shone out with the halo of lofty 
and pure thoughts. The sunflower, therefore, is sacred to 
the memory of Ruth. 

"The character of Esther is illustrated by the white lily. 
All nations agree in making this flower the emblem of purity, 
and its beauty and delicacy have ever been the theme of ad- 
miration from the time of Solomon to the present day. Even 



^^KkitBSHfP BB^ftB 




FAMILY MEMBERSHIP BOARD 



RITUALS. 85 

the divine Saviour points to it with admiration, saying, 'Behold 
the HHes of the field; I say unto you that Solomon in all his 
glory was not arrayed like one of these.' The poet has hap- 
pily declared : 

'Tair white lilies having birth 
In their native genial earth: 
These in sweet and queenly grace. 
Match the maiden's form and face. 

"Such was the character of Esther, the matchless queen 
of Persia, fairest among the women of the land, pre-eminent 
in intellectual gifts, the pride of the down-trodden people of 
God, exposed to all the temptations of pride, rank and a cor- 
rupt court, she still retained that purity of character which had 
elevated her at the first, and when the time of trial came her 
heroism and self-devotion gained the favor of the king and 
saved her people from destruction. The white lily, therefore, 
is sacred to the memory of Esther. 

"The character of Martha is illustrated by the pine sprig. 
This, in Masonry, reminds us of the immortality of the soul 
and the resurrection of the body, the two subliniest lessons the 
mind of man can contemplate. The history of Martha, as 
given in our traditions, is that of a young woman whose faith 
in Christ enabled her to resist the despondency that death had 
thrown around her, and to believe that her brother would rise 
again under the Almighty voice. Her faith was duly re- 
warded and her heart was made happy in the reunion. The 
pine sprig, therefore, is sacred to the memory of Martha. 

"The character of Electa is illustrated by the red rose. In 
producing the rose nature appears to have exhausted herself 
by her prodigality in attempting to create so fine a specimen 
of freshness, of beauty in form, of exquisite perfume, of 
brilliance of color and of grace. The rose adorns the whole 
earth as the commonest of flowers. It is the emblem of all 
ages, the interpreter of all our sentiments, it illustrates alike 
our happiness and our sorrows. Its lessons are sung by the 
poet when he says: 

" 'Tis not alone in the flush of morn, 
In the cowslip-bell or the blossom-thorn, 
In noon's high hour or twilight hush, 



86 RITUALS. 

In the shadowy stream of the floweret's blush, 
Or in aught that beautiful nature gives, 
That the delicate spirit of beauty lives. 

Oh, no, it lives and breathes and lies 
In a home more pure than the morning skies ; 
In the innocent heart it loves to dwell. 
When it comes with a sigh or a tear to tell, 
Sweet visions that flow from the fount of love, 
To mingle with all that is pure above. 

"Such was the character of Electa, combining all the meek 
domestic virtues with the highest and noblest heroism that is 
recorded in the books of history. In the pursuit of what she 
deemed her Christian duty she cheerfully surrendered all 
things, sealing the covenant she had made with her heart's 
blood. The red rose, therefore, is sacred to the memory of 
Electa. 

''Choose, then, my esteemed sister, which of these em- 
blems, the blue violet, the sunflower, the white lily, the pine 
sprig or the red rose, you will adopt as yours." 

The choice seemed to be deemed a weighty one, as the 
lady was allowed three months in which to make her selection. 
This ceremony does not seem to have any points of union with 
the rest of the work and was rather meaningless. 

For an additional ceremony of the Family, see the heading 
"Banquets." 

ROSARY. 

This was a revised form for communicating the degrees, 
a pledge of secrecy only being required. The welcoming ode 
was as follows: 

"A welcome and a greeting now. 

To gentle friends and sisters true, 
Around the place where Masons bow. 

And pay their homage due; 
On checkered floor, 'neath starry sky. 
Welcome sweet friends of Masonry. 

To her who finds a father here; 

Or brother's strong and trusty hand; 
To her who mourns the lost and dear. 

Once cherished in our band; 
To her who husband's love doth own, 
Greeting and welcome, every one. 



RITUALS. 87 

Welcome the light our emblems shed; 

Welcome the hope yon volume gives — 
Welcome the love our covenants spread, 

The wages each receives; 
And when is past life's toilsome week, 
Welcome the home that Masons seek." 

The several lectures as in the manual were revised and 
somewhat shortened, and the subjects of the degrees were 
given as "The Tradition of the Veil,'' ''The Tradition of the 
Barley Field," 'The Tradition of the Crown, Robe and Scep- 
tre," "The Tradition of the Uplift Hands" and "The Tradi- 
tion of the Martyr's Cross." Each degree had a Christian 
application, which was fully explained. The evening was 
closed with the following valedictory : 

"Good night! the spirits of the blest and good 
From these dear halls go with you and abide: 
In hours of sorrow, hours of solitude, 
Or when the hosts of melancholy brood 
And cloud your minds, may angel spirits glide 
From the white throne and give you great delight — 
Dear friends, good night! 

Good night, good night! and joy be with you all! 
May sickness never blight, nor poverty; 
May slander's breath your spirits ne'er appall. 
May no untoward accident befall. 
But all things prosperous and joyful be: 
May morning suns rise on you fresh and bright — 
Dear friends, good night! 

Good night! in dreams, may faithful Martha come 
To tell of her Beloved, high in heaven: 
And Ruth, the gleaner, from the harvest home, 
And Adah, maid immortal, from her tomb, 
Esther and true Electa, spirits bright. 
And say. Good night! 

Good night! and when the shadows of the grave 
Close in around you — when the parting breath 
Draws heavily, and unto Him who gave 
You yield the spirit, be He strong to save 
Who is our Guide and Saviour unto death: 
Then may dear friends and heavenly hopes unite. 
To say, Good night!" 



88 RITUALS. 

THE LADIES' FRIEND. 

This was almost an exact reprint of the Morris Manual, 
the secret work being given by initial letters, each of which 
was numbered, and a Vocabulary which accompanied it, being 
referred to by letter and number, indicated the word. 

TATEM'S MONITOR. 

This was compiled largely from the Mosaic and Morris 
Manual, much new matter, in the shape of opening, closing 
and installation ceremonies being formulated, and in this was 
first inaugurated the manner of communicating the cabalistic 
word and motto substantially as at present. Much of the 
work, both original and reprint, was given by initial letters 
only, without any other key as to what it was. The vacant 
chairs, as in the Mosaic Book, were retained, and also the" dia- 
logue as there introduced, although in an abbreviated form. 
In this was first included the instruction that a Mason seeing 
one of the signs given, should write his name on a card, or 
slip of paper, together with the pass belonging to the sign 
given. 

The officers were styled Worthy President (Matron), Vice 
President (Patron), First Patron (Adah), Second Patron 
(Ruth), etc.. Secretary, Treasurer, Conductor, Guard and 
Sentinel. In 1872 the ritual was amended so that all of the 
five signs were used in the opening and closing ceremonies of 
the Lodge. 

MACOY'S MANUAL. 

This was for the communicating of the degrees under a 
pledge of secrecy only, and was illustrated with a rather too 
suggestive picture for each degree, and the motto, "We have 
seen His Star,*' etc., was changed to the first person singular. 
A grip was introduced for the first time. Concerning the 
origin of this grip the Masonic department of a New York 
weekly newspaper in 1877 gave the following: 

"After diligent inquiry we learn that the grip was invented 
by accident at a meeting held in Concord, New Hampshire, 
when Brother W. S. Wolf, now of New York City, was con- 
ferring the degree as a lecture, in 1862, prior to which time 
there had been no grip. A lady, whose husband was a Mason, 



RITUALS. 89 

Vose in meetin' and said aloud, 'Brother Wolf, you have for- 
gotten to give us the grip.' It was a dilemma, but Brother 
Wolf was equal to the emergency and gave the grip which is 
now so generally used, a council of Eastern Star lecturers 
having adopted it in 1863." 

In ''Esoteric of Eastern Star," published by Rob Morris 
in 1867, which was intended for use in connection with Ma- 
coy's Manual, he said concerning the latter: ''All the matter 
in that volume, except a part of the preface, was written by 
myself," and "The passage relative to a grip on page 65 is 
altogether an innovation. There is no grip ever used in con- 
ferring the Eastern Star degree. Explain this to purchasers 
of the Manual, and say that the only grip used in Adoptive 
Masonry is employed in the ceremonies of the 'Eastern Star 
Family.' " As the manual contains no preface, and Brother 
Morris thus contradicts the statement he says he penned, it is 
difficult to know where to draw the line as to the author- 
ship of it. 

ADOPTIVE RITE. 

This was the first ritual providing for the Chapter form 
of organization. Jewels were prescribed for the officers, that 
for the Patron being a duplicate of the Matron's. Provision 
was also first made for a floor star. Sisters only were to be 
initiated, brothers, if elected, being only required to pledge 
their honor as Master Masons, in open Chapter, to conform 
to the rules and regulations of the Order. Concerning the 
initiation of brethren, provided for in the General Grand 
Chapter ritual. Brother Macoy subsequently said, in Critical 
and Explanatory Notes: 

"The ceremonies originally 'set forth' in the Eastern Star 
Order were intended for ladies only. The attempted innova- 
tion of requiring gentlemen to pass through these ceremonies 
will have the effect of illustrating that there is 'but a step from 
the sublime to the ridiculous.' We hope no Chapter will 
enforce the suggestion of the committee, and no gentleman 
will allow himself to be the subject of mirth by being so used. 
The ceremony might be appropriate for the committee, but 
not proper for a gentleman." 

In declaring the Chapter open the Matron said : 



90 RITUALS. 

"In the name of the departed heroines whose virtues we 
emulate ; in the name of our great sisterhood, knit together in 
bonds of charity and sincere friendship, and in the name of 
our heavenly Master, who has declared that He 'loveth a 

cheerful giver,' I declare Chapter No. , of the 

Eastern Star, open and in due order for the dispatch of busi- 
ness." 

The covenant of adoption, which was printed in full, con- 
tained but four ties: i. Secrecy; 2. Obedience to law; 3. Ad- 
vice, sympathy and aid; 4. Avoiding acts of injustice and un- 
kindness. The point lectures bore the same characteristics 
as those of the Manuals, the candidate being seated in the 
point chairs during their delivery. Some infelicitous expres- 
sions marred this work, e. g.: the Conductress stated that 
"first impressions made upon a candidate are permanent 
. . . and it depends greatly upon the manner of conducting 
her . . to make those impressions lasting," and this is 
found in all the Macoy rituals and the New York ritual. 

Forms for installation, for a Chapter of Sorrow and 
funeral services were also included, most of which were per- 
formed by the Patron. These were undoubtedly original with 
Brother Macoy. 

The Chapter of Sorrow was a most harrowing service; 
the room, altar and official stations were to be draped in black ; 
on the altar was an urn covered with a black pall fringed with 
silver or white silk, on which were painted or embroidered 
the names of the departed; at each point of the star was a 
lighted white wax candle; a floral star was also introduced, 
from which the various colored flowers were withdrawn by 
the proper officers and deposited in the urn of remembrance. 
Much of the language of the Macoy funeral service was incor- 
porated into it, and like that, it was entirely under the direc- 
tion of the Patron, the Matron's part consisting of six lines, 
while in the funeral service she had no part whatever. 

CROMBIE'S RITUAL. 

This was an arrangement of the work for the use of the 
Order in Scotland and was made up from the Morris Manual 
and Adoptive Rite, and was not well adapted to the work in 
an organized body, as it included much of the address of the 




ROBERT MACOY 



RITUALS. 91 

Patron that was contained in the Manual, which was written 
solely for the communicating of the degree in lecture form. 
Nor was it adapted to the communicating of the degree, as 
the other portions of the work were arranged to be rendered 
by the star officers. The only original matter worthy of note 
was the lecture of Martha, which followed more nearly and 
completely the Scripture account. We make the following 
excerpts : 

"The family, composed of Martha and Mary, with their 
brother Lazarus, seemed to have possessed all things needful 
for a happy life. Bound up in the love of each other, and 
blessed with the friendship of Him whom to know is everlast- 
ing life, the little group were distinguished from their neigh- 
bors by a name that proved how thoroughly their hearts were 
occupied with divine things. They were 'the beloved of the" 
Master, the happy household of Bethany.' . . . Amazing 
faith! heroic spirit of confidence in her friend! Though her 
brother had been four days in the embrace of death, and the 
subject of its corrupting influences — though the weight of 
watchfulness and sorrow rested heavily upon her spirit as she 
knelt, her hands wildly raised to heaven — there was a spirit 
of prophecy in her words which gave them a value altogether 
their own." 

CALIFORNIA RITUAL. 

In this Adoptive Rite was closely followed, there being 
introduced a five-sided altar, the sides of glass in colors, the 
proper emblems being painted on them, which were illumi- 
nated by a lamp or candle placed inside the altar, around 
which was a five-sided cushion in the five colors; in the East 
was an illuminated five-pointed star. In this was first intro- 
duced the square and compass as the Patron's official emblem. 
Provision was made for collars of the five colors to be worn 
by eight officers; the star officers were to wear sashes and 
aprons of the appropriate colors, while all other sisters were 
to wear five-sided white aprons, each side measuring twelve 
inches, with a bib, the point of which was to reach the center 
of the apron; these were trimmed around the edges with the 
five colors. The complete Chapter was made, for the first 
time, to require fourteen officers, and the Patron was men- 



92 RITUALS. 

tioned first. Many other additions and verbal changes were 
made in the initiation ceremony to make it more complete, and 
the candidate for the first time was caused to kneel at the altar 
and to repeat the vow of adoption. A special form was pro- 
vided for the initiation of gentlemen, which included the vow 
of adoption and the explanation of the signs, passes, grip and 
cabalistic motto, but did not include any lectures. Some addi- 
tions were made to the initiation ceremony, but the lectures 
were as in Adoptive Rite, the candidate, however, not being 
seated. An installation ceremony, differing somewhat from 
Adoptive Rite, completed the volume. 

ADOPTIVE RITE REVISED. 

In this Brother Macoy availed himself largely of the mat- 
ter embraced in the California ritual, e. g.: the number of 
officers for a complete Chapter was made fourteen, but the 
Patron was mentioned last. Provision was made, for the 
first time, for the officers to march in before the opening, and 
responses from the star officers were incorporated in the open- 
ing ceremony, in Adoptive Rite the meaning of the point 
emblems being incorporated in the Matron's work. Other- 
wise the book was unchanged. 

MACOY'S RITUAL. 

In this the jewel of the Patron was made the square and 
compasses, as in California, and many of the minor additions 
and verbal changes in that ritual, including the ceremony for 
initiating gentlemen, were incorporated. It was provided that 
the Conductress was to ascertain if all sisters present were 
members of the Order, and 

"The Patron will assure himself that the gentlemen pres- 
ent are entitled to seats in the Chapter. ... If there should 
be any Master Masons present who have not been obligated, 
that ceremony should be performed immediately after the 
Chapter shall be declared open." 

The golden chain was introduced, and for the first time in 
a Macoy ritual the initiation ceremony was concluded by a 
lecture by the Patron, in which the signs, passes, etc., were 
explained. This was the work of B. T. Burnham, Grand 
Lecturer of New York, and was published in pamphlet form 
by the Grand Chapter of New York in 1875, without being 



RITUALS. 93 

copyrighted. Forms were also provided for constituting 
Chapters and dedicating halls, and it also contained a revised 
burial service, which was largely performed by the Patron, 
although the Matron was given a small part. 

CALIFORNIA REVISED. 

A committee was appointed by the General Grand Chapter 
in 1876 to prepare a ritual, of which Jeremiah E. Whitcher, 
of California, was a member. A committee of the Grand 
Chapter of Massachusetts, of which Thomas M. Lamb, after- 
ward Most Worthy Grand Patron, was chairman, presented 
for the consideration of the committee a new set of lectures, 
and the committee of the Grand Chapter of California, which 
prepared this ritual, availed itself of many of the suggestions 
of the Massachusetts committee. The special form for the 
initiation of gentlemen was dropped. With these exceptions 
the ritual was much like the first California ritual. 

MICHIGAN RITUAL. 

This was a revision of the Tatem Monitor, in which much 
of the secret work, especially in the opening ceremonies, was 
represented by asterisks, while the point lectures were an 
exact reproduction of those in the Tatem Monitor. It was 
printed by the Grand Lodge for the use of its subordinates, 
the original work being out of print. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 

This ritual was prepared by a committee appointed in 
1876, consisting of John M. Mayhew, of New Jersey; Willis 
D. Engle, of Indiana; Thomas C. Ready, of Missouri; Jere- 
miah E. Whitcher, of California; Elizabeth Butler, of Illinois; 
Mary A. Comstock, of Indiana, and Mattie A. Yost, of Mis- 
souri, which submitted its report in 1878, when it was 
amended, adopted and placed in the hands of a committee con- 
sisting of Brothers Lamb, Mayhew and Engle for arrange- 
ment and printing, and the proclamation of the Most Worthy 
Grand Patron, authorizing its use, was issued November 16, 
1878, the second anniversary of the organization of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter, and it was immediately accepted by all 
the Grand Chapters except New York and Vermont. By it 
the Patron was made the second officer of a Chapter, and 



94 KITUALS. 

provision was made for a Chaplain if desired. Jewels were 
prescribed for the officers, and it was provided : 

''Collars, and other regalia in addition, may be worn by- 
Chapters that desire them, the General Grand Chapter only 
prescribing the minimum. All the members of the Order 
shall, during Chapter session, wear upon the left breast a five- 
pointed star, three inches across and having the five colors of 
the Order." 

This, however, never attained general acceptance in 
practice. 

The alarm as now in use was herein first introduced, as 
were also the Grand Honors and the giving of the signs and 
the responses in the opening ceremony, similar to the Mosaic 
Book. A new opening prayer was inserted, and a closing 
prayer, for which no provision had been made in the preceding 
Chapter rituals, was adapted from the Mosaic Book. The 
use of Scripture recitations during the weaving of the laby- 
rinth was authorized, and the Patron's address was greatly 
changed, and entirely new lectures were furnished for Ruth, 
Esther and Electa, while Martha's was materially lengthened 
and greatly beautified. The Patron's lecture, including the 
explanation of the floral emblems, was entirely recast, and 
forms for installation of officers and Grand officers, the latter 
entirely new, and a new funeral ceremony completed the 
volume. 

CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES. 

This was a publication made by Brother Macoy, and em- 
braced portions of the General Grand Chapter ritual, with the 
brother's comments and criticisms thereon. In it was reit- 
erated the claims that Brother Morris was the originator of 
the Order, and the transfer of his assumed authority to 
Brother Macoy; and it was stated that ''when the Chapters 
had sufficiently increased in each State, Grand Chapters were 
formed, first in New York, then in other States ;" that he had 
"openly and candidly" opposed the organization of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter "because I dreaded that the spirit of 
innovation would destroy all that to which so much labor had 
been devoted to build up;" that the General Grand Chapter 



RITUALS. 95 

ritual was ''tautological and farcical, monotonous and puerile. 
It may possibly be used by a few, and by reason of its innova- 
tions will produce confusion and discord in the Order." 

LOWE'S EXPOSE. 

This work, which was written by a man who claims that 

''As I received these 'Adoptive Degrees' from their inventor 
and 'Grand Patron,' Rob Morris himself, the public may rest 
assured I here give them correctly. Certain it is that I give 
them not only as I received them, but as, under a commission 
from the 'Grand Patron,' Morris, I conferred them upon 
several hundred men and women in different parts of the 
State of Michigan. For the sketch of the origin and char- 
acter of the Order and the analysis of the different degrees 
the public are indebted to the publisher instead of the author." 

Any one perusing the aforesaid sketch and analysis will 
not be surprised that even a man who claimed to be thus vio- 
lating his most solemn pledge of secrecy desired to escape the 
responsibility for such diatribe. With a sanctimoniousness 
characteristic of all such self-accusing perjurers, he says : 

"That this little volume may be blessed of God in opening 
the eyes of many to the real character, not only of this Order, 
but of Freemasonry and kindred Orders, is the prayer of the 
author." 

When it is remembered that at the time of the publication 
of this book the work of the Order, correctly given with the 
exception of the secret work, could be had at any bookseller's 
by purchasing Macoy's Manual, it is evident that the object of 
its publication was either to make money, to mislead those 
who had no knowledge of the real character and work of the 
Order, or simply to carry the vile misrepresentations of the 
Order and of Masonry. We will give some extracts from 
the sketch and analysis — those of a milder nature only — and 
will also reproduce some of the illustrations of the manner of 
giving the signs, which will certainly be amusing if not profit- 
able to members of the Order. They are inserted here so that 
should a person ask admission to a Chapter, and give the signs 
after this manner, the source from which they attained their 
knowledge might be known. 



96 



RITUALS. 




First Position. Second Position. 
WIDOW'S SIGN. 



"A careful investigation of the subject must convince 
every candid person that secret societies play a very important 
part in the devil's economy/' 

''It certainly is not that I have any personal quarrel v^ith 
any of the managers of the Order or that I seek pecuniary 

profit or notoriety thereby, but 
that the Christian women of 
America may see for themselves 
v^hat a sham and cheat is provided 
to close the mouths of the female 
relatives of Freemasons from 
protesting against an Order v^hich 
is a standing insult to every true 
woman, in that it not only classes 
all women with minors, madmen 
and fools, but would repeal the 
law of God which pronounces 
husband and wife one, by swear- 
ing the husband to perpetually 
conceal from his wife matters concerning his relations with 
five hundred thousand other men, to each of whom he may 
confide what he dare not mention to his wife. 

''The first degree is evidently a 
shrewd yet desperate attempt to jus- 
tify Masonic oaths, even when such 
oaths lead to murder. The second 
aims to prove that Freemasonry in- 
culcates piety, though Masonic au- 
thors sneer at the decalogue as nar- 
row and declare that the Masonic 
moral law is the law of nature only. 
The object of the third degree is 
somewhat similar to that of the first 
degree, and though professedly a 
tribute to true friendship, is plainly 
designed to teach that Freemasons 
are justified in aiding and defending each other in both right 
and wrong conduct. What the object of the fourth degree 
is, unless it be by wholesale lying to deceive the uninformed as 




First Position. Second Position. 
WIFE'S SIGN. 



RITUALS. 



97 




to the character of the Order, seems difficult to imagine. The 
fifth degree is a lame attempt to convey the impression that 
Freemasonry teaches "patience and submission under worngs" 
and that Freemasons are a noble band of martyrs for the 
truth; and, further, that benevolence is a prime characteristic 
of the Order. 

"We call attention to the fact that 
all Master Masons in good standing in 
the Masonic Order, however immoral 
their character, may demand admission 
to the women's lodge." 

The lightning changes of costumes 
between the first and second positions in 
the widow's and wife's signs must have 
Sister's Sign. j^g^j^ q£ ^ slcight-of-haud nature, and we 

are certain that the correctness with which the signs are delin- 
eated is only exceded by the artistic execution of the engrav- 
ings. The decided change in Esther's coun- 
tenance will also fix attention. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER REVISED. 

This was substantially a reprint of the 
original General Grand Chapter ritual, al- 
though it contained many minor changes. It 
was provided that any Chapter could have a 
Marshal and an Organist if it so desired. 
The greatest change was in the lecture of 
Electa, which was entirely recast and some- 
what shortened. Another change was in the 
rearranging and shortening of the Patron's 
lecture. 

MACOY'S STANDARD. 

In this, following the arrangement of the General Grand 
Chapter ritual, the Patron was made the second officer of the 
Chapter, and other regulations were adopted from the same 
source. The opening, closing and initiation ceremonies were 
an exact reprint of the Macoy ritual. One of the purposes of 
this publication was to engraft upon the Order the "higher 
degrees" of the Amaranth and Queen of the South, but so far 
as the latter is concerned it was a complete failure. I do not 




Mother's Sign. 



98 RITUALS. 

know that it has been used by any one. These remarks are not 
appHcable to our colored friends, who dehght in its royal titles. 
As the ritual was sold in the open market, they largely availed 
themselves of it. The book closed with an historical sketch 
from the pen of W. J. Duncan, now a Past Grand Patron of 
New York, which contains many facts of a valuable nature, 
but he could not but let his friendship for Brother Macoy bias 
him, so that some things are only partially stated, as e. g.: 
'The Order was introduced into . . . Michigan, at Rock- 
land, March, 1870 (during 1867, '68 and '69 there was a sys- 
tem called 'Lodges of Adoptive Masonry')," the reader being 
left to infer that that system had died out and that there was 
no Grand Chapter in that State, as, in every other instance, he 
gave the date of the organization of the Grand Chapter. Rob 
Morris's writings in 1877 are copiously quoted as in opposition 
to the General Grand Chapter and the impression conveyed 
that he was unalterably opposed to it, the fact that he gave it 
his endorsement during the last eight years of his life being 
entirely ignored. 

NEW YORK RITUAL. 

This is a revision of the Macoy ritual, containing opening, 
closing and initiation ceremonies for both women and Master 
Masons. To it are also appended the floral work as composed 
by Brother Burton and a form for organizing Chapters. The 
following changes are noted: The Associate Matron is pro- 
vided with a gavel, but no use is specified for it; the point 
lectures are slightly changed and in some places abbreviated; 
the duties and badge of the Patron are introduced into the 
opening ceremony, and are given by that officer ; the prayer in 
the opening is changed, and a form for prayer in closing is 
supplied where, in the Macoy ritual, provision was made for 
an extemporaneous prayer; the question, "Do you believe in 
the existence of a Supreme Being?" is introduced into the 
work, and certain portions of the secret work which were in 
the Macoy ritual are omitted. 

Later editions embrace revisions made almost yearly, as 
indicated by the numerous copyright entries, and they also 
included the Matron's Administrative Degree, form for con- 
stituting a Chapter, installation of officers and Grand officers. 



RITUALS. 99 

a form for opening a Chapter in public, for dedicating Eastern 
Star halls, burial service, and for draping the altar. 

NEW YORK GERMAN. 

This was a translation of the New York ritual into Ger- 
man for the use of Concordia Chapter, New York City. 

ADOPTIVE RITE RITUAL. 

In 1896 the Grand Chapter of New York purchased from 
the heirs of Robert Macoy his copyright of the Macoy Stand- 
ard, but as Brother Macoy was never the owner of the copy- 
right of any previous ritual, Adoptive Rite having been copy- 
righted by the Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Com- 
pany, the ownership of that copyright did not pass to the 
Grand Chapter, but is now claimed by J. G. Barker, as the 
successor to that company, and this ritual, which includes not 
only the Eastern Star, but also the Queen of the South, Ma- 
tron's Administrative degree, forms for installation of officers 
and Grand officers, constituting and inaugurating Chapters, 
dedicating halls. Chapter of Sorrow and funeral service, is 
upon the market, for sale to whomsoever will buy. This rit- 
ual is a combination of Adoptive Rite Revised and Macoy's 
Ritual, such alterations as were introduced into the work by 
Brother Macoy before he sold his interest in the Masonic Pub- 
lishing and Manufacturing Company in 1875 being included 
in it, as is also the form of the initiation of Master Masons. 

NEW JERSEY RITUAL. 

With minor details, most of which are noted below, this is 
a reprint of the General Grand Chapter Revised, so far as 
opening, closing, initiatory, installation and funeral ceremo- 
nies are concerned. In addition to these, there are ceremonies 
for instituting Chapters under dispensation and constituting 
under charter, and for draping the altar. 

The principal variations are that a brother's presence is 
necessary to open a Chapter; the ballot-box must be placed 
upon the altar, and is inspected by the Patron both before and 
after balloting; no requirement is made as to floor star and 
point emblems; the Matron is escorted to the East by both 
Conductresses ; a pass-word is collected from the women pres- 
ent, while the Patron vouches for the men as Master Masons ; 



100 RITUALS. 

the Chaplain, Marshal and Organist have responses in the 
opening ceremony and no provision is made for omitting any 
portion of it. There is a form for calling to refreshment, 
and in the Patron's lecture there are explanations of the use 
of the gavel and of balloting. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER AMENDED. 

This was the same as the General Grand Chapter Revised, 
with slight changes. Liberty was given to introduce the Mar- 
shal and Chaplain in the procession in opening a Chapter; to 
elaborate the figures, and to omit the procession altogether; 
portions of the opening services were bracketed, "which may 
be omitted when desired, provided they shall not be habitually 
disused." The exception in regard to Masons suspended for 
non-payment of dues not being thereby suspended from the 
Chapter was stricken out; the test oath was inserted; the 
Worthy Matron was made the presiding officer at funerals, 
and many minor, principally verbal, changes were made. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER GERMAN. 

This is the General Grand Chapter Amended, translated 
into German by Brother August Torpe, of Germania Chapter 
No. 552, Chicago, and was adopted by the General Grand 
Chapter September 5, 1907. 



CHAPTER IV. 




OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

OBJECTS OF THE ORDER. 

HE original object of the Order was to enable the 
female relatives of Master Masons to make them- 
selves known as such, but it has far outgrown 
that simple idea, having acquired a much wider 
vision, and has, indeed, become a co-laborer with 
the great brotherhood in all its works of beneficence, having 
done much for, and often leading in, the movements for the 
establishment of Masonic homes. Side by side with the older 
Craft, without which it had never been, it has marched rapidly 
on. It cares, like Freemasonry, for its sick and needy, buries, 
with touching ritual and fragrant emblems, the bodies of its 
honored dead and works steadily on for even larger or more 
visible results. In some Jurisdictions the dominant object is 
that of Eastern Star homes and in others the co-operating 
with Masons in such homes open to both Orders. It will be 
seen that all these various interests are of no light importance, 
and that if these beneficent purposes were carried out by the 
six hundred thousand members, the Order would prove no 
mean factor in the upbuilding of that kingdom whose Ruler 
once lay in a manger cradle lighted by the golden rays of 
Bethlehem's Star. 

LANDMARKS. 

In Mosaic Book they were nine in number : 

"I. The Star of Christ, or Eastern Star, is the basis of the 
five degrees of the American Adoptive Rite. 

"11. This rite contains nothing in its ceremonies and lec- 
tures of any other rite. 

*TIL Its lessons are eminently Scriptural and Christian. 

"IV. Its obligations are based on the honor of the female 
sex, and framed upon the principle that whatever benefits are 



102 OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

due by the Masonic fraternity to the wives, widows, daughters 
and sisters of Masons, corresponding benefits are due from, 
them to the Masonic fraternity. 

*'V. The control of the rite lies in a central head, styled 
the Supreme Constellation. 

''VI. The Supreme Constellation delegates its authority 
to form Subordinate Constellations respectively to five affili- 
ated Master Masons of the York Rite, associated together for 
that purpose and responsible to the Supreme Constellation 
alone. 

*^VIL An intimate periodical relationship is maintained 
between each subordinate Constellation and the central head. 

'*VIII. The ceremonial and lectures of this rite are com- 
municated by the joint instrumentality of both sexes. 

"IX. The entire ritual of this rite, both esoteric and exo- 
teric, is reduced to writing and intrusted, under due precau- 
tions, to the heads of Constellations." 

Adoptive Rite increased the number to fifteen, embracing, 
practically, I, III, IV, V and VI of the above, substituting 
Supreme Grand Chapter for Supreme Constellation, and 
adding : 

''4. A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, who 
will, sooner or later, punish the willful violation of a solemn 
pledge. 

''5. The modes of recognition, which are the peculiar 
secrets of the rite, cannot, without destroying the foundation 
of the system, be changed. 

'*6. That a covenant of secrecy voluntarily assumed is 
perpetual ; from the force of such obligation there is no possi- 
bility of release. 

''8. That the ballot for candidates for membership must 
be unanimous and is to be kept inviolably secret. 

"g. The right of every Chapter to be the judge of who 
shall be admitted to its membership, and to select its own offi- 
cers; but in no case can the ceremonies of the Order be con- 
ferred unless a Master Mason in good standing in the Masonic 
fraternity presides. 

''10. Every sister is amenable to the laws and regulations 
of the Order, and may be tried for offenses, though she may 



OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 103 

permanently or temporarily reside within the jurisdiction of 
another Chapter. 

''ii. The right of every sister to appeal from the decision 
of her associates in Chapter convened to the Supreme Grand 
Chapter or to the M. E. Grand Patron. 

"i2. The prerogative of the M. E. Grand Patron to pre- 
side over every assembly of the rite wherever he may visit, 
and to grant charters for the formation of new Chapters. 

''13. That every Chapter has the right to dispense the 
light of the Adoptive Rite and to administer its own private 
affairs. 

"14. Every Chapter should elect and install its officers 
annually. 

''15. The right of every sister to visit and sit in every 
regular Chapter, except when such visitor is likely to disturb 
the harmony or interrupt the progress of the Chapter she pro- 
poses to visit." 

They were the same in Macoy's ritual, except that the 
word "Supreme" and the letters "M. E." were omitted from 
7, II and 12, and the words "and to grant dispensations for 
the formation of new Chapters within the territorial jurisdic- 
tion" were added to 12. Although there were two or three 
incidental allusions to a Supreme Grand Chapter and a Su- 
preme Grand Patron in this ritual, this change in the land- 
marks was a practical abandonment of the pretense of the 
existence of such a body, and, as this ritual was first issued in 
1876, just at the time when the movement for the organization 
of the General Grand Chapter was taking definite shape, and 
Brother Macoy was preparing to attack it on the ground of 
the uselessness of such bodies, the reason of the change is 
apparent. Failing in his purposes, when he issued Macoy s 
Standard in 1887 he inserted the words "Supreme Council" 
and "Supreme Patron, or executive officer" in 7 and changed 
II and 12 to correspond. 

The General Grand Chapter reduced the number to twelve, 
embracing practically all of Macoy's except those referring to 
the control of the rite and 12, 13 and 14, and changing the 
word "sister" to "member." This latter change was also 



104 OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

embodied in the New York ritual, and "Matron" was substi- 
tuted for "Patron" in number 12. 

PUBLIC DISPLAYS. 

The Thesauros provided that "at least one annual public 
procession of this body shall occur, that the light of the Order 
may prove a city upon a hill, not to be hid." The universal 
practice in the Order in later days has been to forbid public 
displays, outside of funerals, Chapters of Sorrow and public 
installations, thus being in harmony with the spirit and prac- 
tice of Masonry. In most jurisdictions any display beyond 
those mentioned is prohibited. 

AUTHORITY TO CONFER DEGREES. 

Thesauros provided that the degrees could only be con- 
ferred by the officers of the Supreme Council or their author- 
ized deputies. The Deputy Luminaries were authorized to 
appoint "as many Assistant Deputy Luminaries as the good of 
the Order may require," each of whom was empowered "to 
receive petitions, decide upon merits and confer the five de- 
grees in the original mode wherever within the State of 

his journey ings may bring him," and they were to 

serve until the next Convocation of the Supreme Council, 
which was to meet quintennially. "The Supreme Council at 
Philadelphia, 1845, directs each Deputy Luminary to offer an 
Assistant Deputyship to each blaster and Past Master of a 
Lodge throughout his division." 

Under the Morris regime every Master Mason who had 
the right to receive the degree had an equal right to communi- 
cate it, provided there were not less than five ladies present, 
together with as many gentlemen as might be convenient. 
Master Masons could not communicate the degree to one an- 
other, save in the presence of five ladies. 

Under the present system the degrees can only be con- 
ferred in regularly organized Chapters, save that, in most 
jurisdictions, the Grand Patron or his deputy, duly authorized 
so to do, has power to communicate them at sight upon peti- 
tioners for the organization of a Chapter in a town or city 
where no Chapter exists, but in one or two jurisdictions the 
Grand ^latron is clothed with this power. 



OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 105 

MEMBERSHIP. 

At the present time all affiliated Master Masons, their 
wives, widows, mothers, sisters and daughters, over eighteen 
years of age, are eligible to membership, and in many juris- 
dictions, including that of the General Grand Chapter, the 
term daughters is interpreted to include legally adopted daugh- 
ters; but during the development of the Order other regula- 
tions have obtained. 

In Thesauros dimitted Master Masons and the wives, 
widows, sisters, daughters and the sisters of the wives of such 
were admitted of ^'fifteen years of age and upwards, of ma- 
tured intellect and good understanding." 

In Constellations applicants for membership were required 
to be affiliated Master Masons or the relatives of such, and 
were to be recommended by five members, and "a unanimous 
vote (save two) shall be required to elect. They must also 
be of sound mind and capable of acquiring a knowledge of the 
rite." 

Under the Morris regime (i860- 1868) all Master Masons, 
whether affiliated or not, and the wives, widows, sisters and 
daughters of such were admitted, "provided the unmarried 
ladies were eighteen years of age or upward," but step-sisters, 
step-daughters and divorced widows were specifically ex- 
cluded. It was further provided that : 

^'Daughters and sisters who have married persons not 
Masons can receive the degree at the discretion of the lecturer ; 
but in general it is advised that they should not." 

The same rule was laid down in the Macoy Manual, with- 
out the exceptions. Under the Tatem Monitor only affiliated 
Master Masons and their wives, widows, daughters and sisters 
were eligible. The first recognition of the mothers of ISIaster 
Masons was in Adoptive Rite, and since that the present rule 
has generally prevailed. 

In the States of New York and New Jersey it has always 
been the practice to admit all Master Masons to the meetings 
of Chapters as visitors upon their assuming an obligation of 
secrecy, but this is not believed to have been done in any other 
jurisdiction. 

Thesauros declared: 



106 OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

"The Order of the Eastern Star is impregnable to the pro- 
fane, the vicious and the sceptics of Christian faith. The 
Order of the Eastern Star is a Christian association of females 
in aid of Ancient Freemasonry." 

The Mosaic Book : 

"It will be observed that this Order, like the Encampment 
Order of Masonry, is a Christian system, and that none can 
consistently become its members, whether male or female, save 
those who at least believe in Jesus Christ." 

Morris's Manual: 

"The Eastern Star degree is not adapted to the Jewish 
brethren or their female relatives, though they may receive it 
if they choose. If any offer to attend they ought to be in- 
formed that it is purely Christian." 

According to Adoptive Rite and Macoy's rituals, including 
the Standard, and Adoptive Rite Ritual, "A belief in the 
existence of a Supreme Being, who will, sooner or later, pun- 
ish the willful violation of a solemn pledge," was one of the 
landmarks. By the General Grand Chapter and New York 
rituals the candidate was required to declare a belief in the 
existence of a Supreme Being. All other rituals are silent as 
to religious belief. 

The Mosaic Book provided: 

"Whatever physical deformities or deficiencies that would 
render a person incapable of giving and responding to any of 
the means of recognition are a bar to initiation." 

No other ritual alludes to physical qualifications, that mat- 
ter being usually dealt with by decisions of the several Grand 
Chapters, which are generally in accord with the above, 
although the blind and the deaf and dumb have been initiated 
in some jurisdictions. For particulars of these decisions ref- 
erence should be made to Chapter III, Part Second. 

In Thesauros sisters were called members and brothers 
protectors ; in the Mosaic Book sisters were Stella and brothers 
protectors. Under the Family regime they were called simply 
sisters and brothers, and this custom has prevailed ever since, 
although, by decisions in some jurisdictions, the use of the 
terms has been confined to the precincts of the Chapter room. 



OBJECTb, LANDMARKS, ETC. 107 

FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP. 

Under Thesauros membership was forfeited : 

"By great dereliction of duty, violation of the obligation 
or transgression of the laws of the land, and the excinded 
member should be held as such until full reformation is evi- 
dent." 

By the Mosaic Book a protector forfeited his membership : 

*'i, by absence from the sessions of the Constellation for 
twelve consecutive months (except on account of protracted 
journeying or ill-health) ; 2, by dimitting from the Masonic 
lodge in which he is affiliated; 3, by suspension or expulsion 
from said lodge ; 4, by suspension or expulsion from the Con- 
stellation. 

"The membership of a stella is forfeited, i, by absence 
from the sessions of the Constellation for twelve consecutive 
months (except on account of protracted journeying or ill- 
health) ; 2, by suspension or expulsion from the Constellation; 
3, by the dimittal, suspension or expulsion of the individual 
through whom she was adopted, upon her original petition, 
provided that, if she can prove adoption through another 
Master Mason, affiliated and in good standing, the Pillars of 
a Constellation are at liberty to substitute his name on the 
membership board for the one originally entered there." 

In Book of Instructions provision was made for the for- 
feiture of membership only after "a fair trial, conducted on a 
patient and equitable basis," except that "any Master Mason, 
a member of the Family, suspended or expelled by his lodge, 
shall receive the same penalty from the Family without trial ; 
nor can he be reinstated in the Family until he has been rein- 
stated by his lodge or the Grand lodge." 

Under Adoptive Rite and Adoptive Rite Ritual a brother's 
membership was forfeited "by suspension, expulsion or dis- 
mission from the Masonic lodge of which he was a member 
or from the Chapter," while the membership of a sister was 
forfeited : 

"i, by absence from the sessions of the Chapter for two 
years; 2, by suspension, expulsion or dismission from the 
Chapter; 3, by the suspension, expulsion or dismission of the 
brother through whom she was adopted upon her original peti- 



108 OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

tion; provided that, if she can prove adoption through another 
Master Mason, affiliated and in good standing, the members 
of the Chapter are at liberty to substitute his name on the 
original petition." 

In Macoy's ritual and Macoy's Standard the same rule 
obtained, except that the third specification in regard to a 
sister was omitted, and this is the rule that now universally 
exists, although the exempting of a sister from dependence 
upon the good standing of the brother through whom she 
obtained membership was strenuously opposed by Brother 
Morris. In 1877 he said: 

"In my judgment nothing so effectually destroys the very 
aim and purpose of the Order as the legislation adopted in 
some of the Grand Chapters, which changes the relationship 
of woman to the Order. It has been decided in California, 
New York, and possibly elsewhere, that if a Master Mason is 
ever expelled from Masonry this will not affect the standing 
of his wife, daughter or sister in the Order. . . . What 
object can a Chapter have in retaining ladies in membership 
whose husbands are expelled? Will a modest lady come to 
the Chapter at all under such circumstances? Are they not 
exposed at every meeting to be wounded by the lectures and 
remarks made upon the subject of immorality and unworthi- 
ness? Can a Master Mason conscientiously sit in a Chapter 
with ladies whose husbands and fathers he has helped to expel 
for gross crimes? What principle in the Eastern Star is un- 
changeable if this one is not, which enters into the very origin 
and philosophy of the Order? ... I do not wonder so 
many intelligent Master Masons look with suspicion upon the 
operations of Grand Chapters of the Eastern Star, when, by a 
single vote, they can thus remove the foundation stone of the 
whole Order." 

Time and experience seem to have vindicated the views 
that Brother Morris deemed so dangerous to the very exist- 
ence of the Order. 

Under the present system no penalty attaches to absence 
from Chapter meetings in any jurisdiction, except in Wiscon- 
sin an officer forfeits office by absence from four meetings. 

The General Grand Chapter ritual provided : 



OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 109 

"Membership can only be forfeited by dismission, suspen- 
sion or expulsion from a Chapter, excepting that the suspen- 
sion or expulsion of a brother from a Masonic lodge for any 
other cause than nonpayment of dues deprives him of all the 
rights of membership in the Order until reinstated by the 
Masonic body." 

In most jurisdictions the laws do not make the exception 
in regard to nonpayment of dues, while the Grand Chapter of 
California has decided that the suspension of a brother from 
his lodge for any cause does not affect his standing in the 
Chapter. 

ADDENDAS TO THE WORK. 

The Most Worthy Grand Patron in 1880 decided that: 
"The floral work and other rhetorical exercises are useful 
when the Chapter seeks diversion or means of culture, but 
they should in no case be introduced as a part of the initiatory 
ceremony." 

This was supplemented in 1889 by the adoption of the 
following : 

''Resolved, That it is the sense of this General Grand Chap- 
ter that the rendition of what is known as the floral work or 
floral addenda is not prohibited, if the candidate is fully in- 
structed that it does not constitute any part of the initiatory 
ceremony." 

In 1879 the Grand Chapter of New York declared that: 
"So long as our ritual and landmarks of our Order are not 
interfered with, we shall hail with joy any work that will add 
to the solemnity and interest of our ceremonies." 

CHAPTER OF SORROW. 

In his address to the General Grand Chapter in 1889 the 
Most Worthy Grand Patron said: 

"I call your attention to a recently published memorial 
service, entitled Chapter of Sorrow of the Order of the East- 
ern Star, composed and arranged by Sister Addie C. S. Engle. 
As indicated by its name, it is intended as a service, 'supple- 
mental to the prescribed funeral ceremonies, in commemora- 
tion of those who, year by year, are taken by the stern reaper. 
Death,' and is designed for use in the Chapter room. It is a 
very beautiful form of service and is worthy of being used in 



110 OBJECTS, LANDMARKS, ETC. 

every Chapter when it is desired to do honor to the memory of 
our deceased members. I most heartily commend it to you 
and recommend its use in every Chapter of the Order." 

The committee on revision of ritual reported as follows, 
and it was adopted: 

''We have reviewed the memorial service, Chapter of Sor- 
row of the Order of the Eastern Star, as arranged by Mrs. 
Addie C. S. Engle. We do most heartily indorse it as being 
all we could desire, both in beauty and expression, and take 
pleasure in recommending its use to the Order." 

For particulars as to these and other similar ceremonies, 
see Chapter V. 



CHAPTER V. 




DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

N ALL rituals the first four degrees are uniformly 
called Daughter's, Widow's, Wife's and Sister's. 
The fifth is called in Thesauros the Mason's 
Wife's Sister's, and in subsequent rituals, until 
Adoptive Rite, in which they are not named, the 
In Macoy's Ritual and subsequent ones it is called 
In Thesauros they are further called Initiatory, 



Christian. 

the Mother's 

Passing, Raising, Exalting and Perfecting. 



NAMES OF HEROINES. 

The names of the five heroines are the same in all rituals 
except Thesauros, in which Jephthah's daughter is the only 
designation for the first. The giving of the name of Adah to 
Jephthah's daughter was a pure assumption on the part of 
Brother Morris, as there is no evidence as to what name she 
bore. 

Electa is purely a fictitious character and her name finds 
its root in the Elect Lady of John's second epistle, verse i. 

COLORS. 

The colors are the same in all rituals except Thesauros, in 
which the second is given as orange. In the esoteric work 
presumably accompanying Thesauros, which is not known 
now to exist, those things which the various colors repre- 
sented and the different emblems were explained. 

In Mosaic Book the colors were thus explained : 

''Blue, which is the hue of distant mountains under Judah's 
fair sky, reminds me of the two months' stay made by Adah 
in the mountains while fortifying her mind against the ter- 
rors of a violent death. 

"Yellow, which is the hue of the barley fields on the plains 
of Judah, reminds me that, in that place of harvest, all her 



112 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

prayers were answered, her faith rewarded and her trust in 
God vindicated. 

"White, which is the hue of the silken robes of Esther, 
reminds me that in the spotless purity of Christ alone I can 
expect to find favor at the throne of God. 

"Green, which is the hue of spring and covers every grave 
as with a mantle, reminds me that as Lazarus came forth at 
the breath of the Lord Jesus Christ, so shall I, in the spring- 
time of the resurrection, be summoned from my grave by the 
same commanding voice. 

"Red, which is the hue of blood and wine, reminds me to 
dispense with my temporal means to the poor, even as the 
Redeemer gave His heart's best blood to save me from eternal 
death." 

In Morris's Manual : 

"Blue alludes to the blue appearance of the mountains in 
whose caves she abode for two months while preparing for 
death. 

"Yellow alludes to the color of the ripened barley in the 
harvest fields of Boaz. 

"White alludes to her silken apparel as a queen. 

"Green alludes to the resurrection of Lazarus. 

"Red alludes to her liberal and boundless hospitality." 

In Rosary: 

"Blue alludes to the mountains of Gilead, among which 
was her romantic home in Mizpeh. Seen under the clear sky 
of Palestine, the ranges and peaks of the mountains are in- 
tensely blue, and this suggests the application to Jephthah's 
daughter. 

"Yellow alludes to the golden hue of the barley fields in 
which Ruth was gleaning when she met with favor at the 
hands of Boaz. 

"White alludes to the royal robe of whitest silk worn by 
Esther when she entered the audience chamber to make known 
to the king her petition. 

"Green alludes to the resurrection of her brother Lazarus 
from the sepulcher where he had lain four days dead. 

"Red is an emblem of fervency in the exercise of the moral 
virtues and alludes to the admirable generosity of Electa, dis- 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 113 

played particularly toward the poor and persecuted of her 
faith." 

In Macoy's Manual: 

"Blue alludes to the cerulean hue of the mountains in 
whose solitude Jephthah's daughter passed two months while 
preparing herself for death. 

"Yellow alludes to the ripened grain that composed the 
barley sheaves of Boaz, among which Ruth was gleaning. 

"White alludes to the silken robes of Esther, emblematic 
of the spotless purity of her character. 

"Green alludes to the resurrection of Lazarus, and by 
direct inference that final and grander resurrection at the last 
day. Never does Freemason cast the evergreen sprig into the 
open grave of his brother but the coming event is thus beauti- 
fully foreshadowed. 

"Red symbolizes fervency and alludes to the noble gener- 
osity of Electa displayed toward the poor and persecuted of 
her faith." 

Adoptive Rite and Macoy's Ritual : 

"Blue, which we symbolize (sic) by the azure and hazy 
atmosphere that enveloped the mountains of Judea, in whose 
caves and solitude Jephthah's daughter dwelt, with her com- 
panions, two months while preparing for death. It also sym- 
bolized fidelity and should teach us to be faithful to all our 
obligations. 

"Yellow, which symbolizes the ripened grain in the field 
of Boaz, in which Ruth was an humble gleaner. 

"White alludes to the white silken robes in which Esther 
was dressed when she appeared before the king in the court 
of Persia. It is emblematic of the spotless purity of her char- 
acter and teaches us to be ever mindful of our rectitude of 
conduct in the affairs of life so as to be above the tongue of 
reproach. 

"Green, emblematical of the immutable nature of truth and 
its victory. The evergreen is the symbol of our faith in the 
immortality of the soul and the realization of an everlasting 
happiness beyond the grave. 

"Red symbolizes fervency and alludes to the noble gener- 
osity of Electa, displayed toward the poor and persecuted of 
her faith." 



114 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

In the opening ceremonies other explanations were given, 
some of which seem somewhat strained and inconsistent : 

"The blue ray represents the clearness of the sky when all 
clouds have vanished, and symbolizes chastity, loyalty, fidelity 
and a spotless reputation. 

''The yellow ray symbolizes constancy, purity ( !) and the 
luster of great brightness. 

''The white ray symbolizes light, purity and joy. 

"The green ray, the purity and freshness of which are 
emblems of delight and the beauty of nature, and symbolizes 
hope and immortality. 

"The red ray, symbolically representing ardor and zeal, 
which should actuate all who are engaged in the holy cause of 
benevolence." 

California Ritual : 

"Blue is the color to which popular usage has assigned the 
representation of that which is true and faithful. When the 
blue ray is made to fall for some time on the needle it acquires 
polarity and points true to its mysterious attraction in the 
chambers of the north. It teaches us to be true and faithful 
to all our obligations as members of the Eastern Star. 

"Yellow, or gold, one of the primitive colors and reflecting 
the most light, after white, is used to signify something pleas- 
ing or valuable, as a 'heart of gold' or 'the golden chain of 
friendship.' To us it is symbolical of the ripened grain in 
the field of Boaz, in which Ruth was an humble gleaner. 

"White is the color which has ever been regarded as an 
emblem of purity and innocence. It is the result of a union 
and reaction of all the primary rays of light, hence it is meta- 
phorically used to signify a collection and reflection of those 
graces and virtues which adorn and dignify the character. 
To us it is emblematical of the spotless purity of the character 
of Esther. 

"Green is the most widely diffused of all the tints which 
adorn the material world and is the symbol of memory and 
eternity. The evergreen which lifts itself over the grave of 
some loved one seems to respond to our sighs with an instruct- 
ive language : 'He is not dead, but sleepeth — thy brother shall 
rise again.' To us it is a symbol of the immortality of the 
soul. 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 



115 




''Red, one of the primary colors, is the one by which fer- 
vency and love has ever been represented. In the prismatic 
spectrum the red ray is the most calorific and the least ref raga- 
ble of all. It teaches us that our covenant of love should be 
ardent and never turn from its purpose, and is symbolical of 
the fervency of Electa in her noble generosity toward the poor 
and persecuted of her race." 

POINT EMBLEMS. 

First point. The sword only is given 
in the Thesauros, Mosaic Book, Ladies' 
Friend and Tatem, while in Morris's Man- 
ual the veil is added, but without any ex- 
planation. In all other rituals the sword 
and veil. 

Second point. The sheaf is all except 
Rosary, in which "two barley parcels" were 
prescribed. 

Third point. "The crown" only, in The- 
sauros, Ladies' Friend and Tatem. In Rosary 
"the crown, robe and scepter." In Morris's 
Manual the crown and scepter are specified, 
but the crown only explained. All others, 
"the crown and scepter." 

Fourth point. In Thesauros, "the open 
sepulchre;" Mosaic Book, "pillar rent;" Ro- 
sary, "shattered shaft and green sprig." All others, 
"broken column." 

Fifth point. Thesauros, "grasped hands;" Mo- 
siac Book, "clasped hands;" Morris's Manual, 
Ladies' Friend and Tatem, "joined hands ;" Rosary, 
"clasped hands, cup and cross;" Macoy's Manual, 
"cup and clasped hands," but cup only explained. 
All others, the "cup." 

The explanations were : 
In Mosaic Book : 

"The sword, which in the hands of her own 
father became the instrument of her death, 

"The sheaf, which in the field of Boaz became 
the means of preserving her life, and exhibiting the 
benevolence of a faithful brother. 







116 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

"The crown which, denoting royalty, is the measure of that 
vast sacrifice so cheerfully made by Esther for the preserva- 
tion of her people. 

"The pillar rent, which denotes the sudden death of 
Lazarus. 

"The joined hands, which, denoting ardent hospitality, 
teaches that, though the christian saint could not render to God 
the benefits received from Him, she neglected no opportunity 
to dispense charity to His people." 

Morris's Manual : 

"The sword alludes to that by which she was slain. 

"The sheaf alludes to the sheaves of barley amongst which 
she was gleaning. 

"The crown alludes to her royal state as a queen. 

"The broken column alludes to the death of Lazarus. 

"The joined hands allude to the rich generosity of her 
character." 

Macoy's Manual: 

"The sword reminds us of the instrument of her death. 

"The sheaf reminds us of the liberality of Boaz, who, from 
his sheaves, commanded that portions be taken and cast in 
Ruth's way, that she might gather an abundance. 

"The crown reminds us of the queenly state of Esther, and 
of the manner in which she hailed the notice of the king. 

"The broken column is an emblem of the death of a young- 
man in the vigor of life. 

"The cup reminds us of the ardent hospitality of Electa, 
excited by the view of poverty and distress." 

Adoptive Rite: 

"By the sword in the hands of the father was the daughter 
slain. The veil alludes to the firmness with which Adah 
adhered to her determination to die in the light, suffering no 
stain to rest upon her memory after death. 

"The sheaf is an emblem of plenty, which, from its distinct 
and minute parts, teaches us that by patient industry, gleaning 
here a little and there a little, we may accumulate a competency 
to support us when the infirmities of age unfit us for the 
fatigues of labor. 

"The crown and scepter united is an emblem of royalty and 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 117 

power. It reminds us of the dignity of the king and the meek 
submission of the queenly petitioner. 

'The broken column is an expressive emblem of the uncer- 
tainty of human existence, and the outward evidence of the 
decease of a young man, cut down in the vigor of life. 

"The cup reminds us of the generous hospitality of Electa, 
excited by the view of poverty and distress." 

In the opening ceremonies of Adoptive Rite and Macoy's 
Ritual, two of these explanations were varied : 

"The sword and veil, emblematic of the heroic conduct of 
Jephthah's daughter. 

"The cup is the emblem of the bitter draught, of which we 
are constantly partaking through life; but, however distaste- 
ful, will, in the end, overflow with blessings, rich, abounding 
and eternal." 

In the opening ceremonies there were different lessons : 

"By the sword and veil we are reminded of the filial piety 
of the heroic daughter of Jephthah; by the sheaf, that to please 
God is worthy of our greatest sacrifices; by the crown and 
scepter, that true friendship refuses no pain or cross for the 
object of its affection ; by the broken column, that times of the 
deepest sorrow and loneliness are often enlightened by the 
brightest graces of God; by the cup, that the cup which our 
heavenly Father gives us to drink, though bitter and distaste- 
ful, will, in the end, prove to overflow with blessings, rich, 
abounding and eternal." 

It will be noticed that the Macoy rituals had a superabun- 
dance of symbolic teachings. 

VEILS. 

In Adoptive Rite, Macoy, California and New York rituals 
the candidate was made to wear a thin white veil over her face, 
which was removed by the Conductress after the obligation. 
The writer was initiated thus veiled, but in the New York 
ritual only women candidates were veiled. In the latter ritual, 
which is the only one that gives any explanation of this cere- 
mony, the candidate is thus addressed : 

"In removing the veil from your eyes, my sister, we bring 
you into the full light of the beauty of our chapter room. In 
the ancient ceremonies of initiation the veil was used as a 



118 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

symbol to teach the candidate that as he advanced in knowl- 
edge, he was enlightened by the spirit of education. That he 
we led from the darkness of ignorance into the marvelous light 
of truth, and we desire that the glory of the bright Eastern 
Star shall be clearly seen by you with no veil to dim its lustre." 

The veil used by Adah is variously designated: Mosaic 
Book, ''heavy black;" California Ritual, "blue;" in all others 
except the General Grand Chapter Ritual, "a thick mourning 
veil." In General Grand Chapter Ritual, "a veil." 

The Grand Chapter of Vermont, in 1896, decided that a 
black veil should be used, while the Grand Chapter of Maine, 
in 1897, decided on blue, which is the color usually employed, 
although, with the above exceptions, there has been no legisla- 
tion on the subject. It would seem that, considering the har- 
monies, black would be preferable to blue. 

FLORAL EMBLEMS. 

The first mention of them was in Morris' Manual, where 
they were specified, as also in Rosary: "i. Violet; 2. Sun- 
flower (heliotropes)," — hehanthus was probably meant — ''3. 
White lily; 4. Sprig of Pine; 5. Red rose." With this agrees 
Macoy's Manual, save 4 is "a pine leaf." 

In the Chapter of Sorrow in Adoptive Rite the blue flower 
was said to teach the lesson of undying love; the yellow, un- 
ending possession; the white, heart purity; the green, unde- 
viating sincerity; and the red, unfading beauty. 

In the funeral service in the same, the blue flower was to 
symbolize universal friendship; the yellow, disinterested kind- 
ness ; white, truth and innocence ; the green, immortality ; and 
the red, fervency. 

Macoy's Ritual had no explanation of the floral emblems. 

In General Grand Chapter Ritual they were: "i. Violet; 
2. Yellow jasamine; 3. White lily; 4. Fern; 5. Red rose." 

The Rosary explanations were that the flowers were sever- 
ally selected on account of their colors, but Brother Morris had 
evidently associated the thought of these flowers with the 
several points before he incorporated them in the Rosary, as 
in 1855 he had written in a poem entitled ''The Flowers of 
the Order:" 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 119 

"Gleaned from plain and hill and valley. 

Grouped in mystic tie. 
Maidens read me, — gladness, sadness, — 

Ev'ry tongue have I; — 
Violet, sunleaf, lily white. 

Pine eternal, — rose, delight." 

Macoy's Manual : 

''Violet. Its retired, shrinking nature is emblematical of 
Jephthah's daughter, the devoted maid of Mispeh. 

''Sunflower. Emblematical of the ripened grain gleaned 
by Ruth, the pious widow of Moab. 

"White lily. Emblematical of the white robes of Esther, 
the noble hearted queen of Persia. 

"Pine leaf. Emblematical of Martha, the faithful sister 
of Bethany. 

"Red rose. Emblematical of the unbounded charity and 
hospitality practiced by Electa." 

EMBLEMS IN CENTER OF STAR. 

These emblems are explained in Mosaic Book, Morris's 
Manual, Rosary, Ladies' Friend and General Grand Chapter 
Ritual, but are not mentioned in Thesauros, Tatem, or either 
of Macoy's. In the first four mentioned the explanations 
were elaborate, and connected each with one of the mottoes 
found in the border of the signet, of which the following brief 
summary embraces the salient points : 

They all allude to Christ, Who is the light and key to the 
Eastern Star, and Who is the Word of God; the Lily of the 
Valley; The Sun of Righteousness; the Lamb of God; and 
the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Brother Morris put their ob- 
jects in poetic phrase as follows : 

"By that form of innocence, 

By that Bud of Peace, 
By that Word unbroken, spoken 

By the Son of Grace, 
Judah's Terror, — emblems five, 
Read we Him, and reading, live ! " 

THE LABYRINTH. 

The labyrinth as in Mosaic Book, together with the sta- 
tions of the officers and members, is represented in the accom- 
panying illustration. It will be noticed that the single point 



120 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 



of the star is up, or toward the east. In adapting the Mosaic 
Book for use in lodges of Adoptive Masonry Tatem dispensed 
with the Pillars, who occupied the outer points of the star 
(i, 2, 3, 4, and 5), and left the sisters, who formed the inner 
angles of the star in the same stations, thus changing the posi- 
tion of the star, so that, practically, two points were toward 



2S (5ecits /br Pro tec tors 




/ //e/eon 

2 P/ii/om&th 

3 Verger 
# /ferald 



6 Lund (Add Ji) 
TfJorMRuth) 
S/feMf£si/>e^ 
9 T/)ef/s(/7^r(hi>) 



J/ nhU 3jhJe 
/Z ZocAed Door 
/3 iVcircIer 
AllChdn\sfi<ceBjI>2e 



S l4ic£>n/ Chdir <Micl /OAremefflectd) 
J3oniier ^____ 



the east. Some discussion has been had as to the origin and 
propriety of the latter position, as mythological teaching is 




DEGKEES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 121 

that the star with one point up is an emblem of good, while 
with two points up it is an emblem of evil. Brother Morris 
was, perhaps, not lacking in mythological lore when he penned 
the directions for forming the star with one point toward the 
east, but it will be easily seen that by the later development, in 
doing away with the outer points, the mythological signif- 
icance of the star was altered without de- 
sign, and probably by persons that were 
ignorant of the fact, and that it stood for 
the goat of Mendes. But in this particular, 
as in many others, brother Morris was not 
consistent, as in the tessera he placed the 
star with two points up. The changes in the work made by 
Tatem left the stations in order the reverse of the present 
usage. In the Tatem labyrinth the candidate entered at the 
southwest door, passed north in front of the Vice President's 
station in the west, was seated in the chair of the Conductor 
in the north, then passed the stations of the five patrons (Adah, 
Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa), from east to west, then 
south and east, then was seated in the banner chair southeast 
of Electa, and then east and north to the President's chair, 
from which place she was instructed and welcomed. 

Adoptive Rite was the first to delineate the star with two 
points toward the east. In that and Macoy's Ritual the candi- 
date, after entrance, was stationed in the west, facing east, in 
which position the covenant of adoption was assumed; she 
then made a circuit around the altar to the first point ; then to 
the second point by passing to the left of the altar; then round 
the altar to the third point, and so to the fourth and fifth 
points ; then directly to the east. 

The General Grand Chapter Ritual was the first that pro- 
vided a labyrinth of any particular significance, weaving out, 
as it does, a complete double star. 
The Mosaic Book had this lecture : 

'The pathway of human life meanders like this labyrinth, 
and the most prudent pilgrim upon the journey fails to accom- 
plish the plans with which he set out. He may go swiftly and 
prosperously forward a little ways, but suddenly his course is 
checked by obstacles he does not understand, and powers that 



122 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

he can not overcome. Again he attempts to move in the right 
Hne, to some new goal of his desire ; again all for awhile may 
seem to conspire to accomplish his ends, when, unexpectedly 
as before, his way is stopped — and so all through his life, he 
drives from point to point, baffled and astonished at every turn, 
until wearied and disgusted with repeated disappointments and 
failures, and craving something that is not subject to change 
and disaster, he stands, at last, before the Great Light of all, 
and is accosted by the judge of quick and dead." 

MOTTOES. 

The cabalistic word is referred to in all rituals, and appears 
on all signets, as well as upon the seal of the Supreme Con- 
stellation. See illustration, chapter I, page 14. 

If the cabalistic motto has any scriptural origin it can pos- 
sibly be found in Solomon's Song — chapter V, 9 and 10, and 
chapter VI, i. 

''We have seen His Star in the East and are come to wor- 
ship Him," is on all signets except Macoy's, where it was given 
in the first person singular. 

The Morris signet (see frontispiece) had the additional 
mottoes: ''The Bright and Morning Star;" "The Rose of 
Sharon, and the Lily of the Valley;" "The Star out of Jacob;" 
"The Sun of Righteousness;" "The Word;" "The Lamb of 
God;" "The Prince of Peace;" "The Lion of the Tribe of 
Judah" and "The Day Star." 

OTHER SIGNET EMBLEMS. 

Thesauros designated the regalia for the several degrees as 
follows : I. apron ; 2. glove ; 3. band ; 4. brooch ; 5. collar ; and 
the virtues: i. obedience; 2. attachment; 3. purity; 4. faith; 
5. truth; were each represented by a five-pointed star on each 
point of the larger star, all of which are found on the Morris 
signet, and the seal of the Supreme Constellation. 

SIGNETS. 

The various signets that have been used by the Order are 
reproduced in fac simile, in reduced size. The Morris Signet 
was used under the Family organization and was inserted in 
the Rosary. The Macoy Signet was used by Chapters work- 
ing under the Supreme Grand Chapter. The Engle Signet 










MACOY SIGNET 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 123 

was designed by the author in 1879 ^"^ ^s used by all Chapters 
working under the General Grand Chapter. 

BANNERS. 

In the Mosaic Book, the banner exhibiting "the head of 
the lion" was set up at one point of the star. (See diagram, 
page 120.) This was also used in the Addenda published 
by the Grand Chapter of Connecticut. 

TESSERA. 

The Mosaic Book said : 

"The tessera is a metallic object in the form of a five- 
pointed star, the points being so disposed that one is directed 
downwards, in the front of which appears the lion, the symbol 
of this Order, — on the back the name of the stella (or pro- 
tector) who presents it, and the name and number of which 
she (or he) is or was last a member. The theory of the 
American Adoptive Rite is that every stella and protector is 
provided with a tessera, to answer as a visible token of mem- 
bership, in traveling, and to present to Warder at the door of 
the Constellation, as a testimonial of qualification. In such 
cases, however, as the loss of the tessera, or its being absent, 
or the party not having provided herself (or himself) with 
one, Warder will provide in its stead a slip of card or paper 
containing the name, locality, &c., of the party, and this may 
be exhibited to Heleon on entering, as a substitute. No per- 
son, member or visitor can, under any circumstances, enter a 
Constellation without exhibiting the tessera or its substitute to 
Warder and Heleon." 

VOTING SIGN. 
The Mosaic Book provided that "Votes in a Constellation 
may best be taken by raised hands ; this is where the ballot is 
not required." The General Grand Chapter adopted the same 
method for the government of itself only, in 1878. 

POSITIONS OF STAR OFFICERS. 

In Mosaic Book the Pillars and Correspondents sat facing 
the Bible. In California the star officers faced the east. In 
General Grand Chapter Revised the chairs were to be placed 
facing the east, or inclined toward the altar. The other rituals 
did not specify how these officers should face. 



124 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

FIRST FRUITS. 

In Thesauros, at her initiation, the candidate was admon- 
ished : 

"The first lesson taught you in this Order was obedience to 
the word of God. He has bade us remember the poor and 
afflicted. You should exhibit your faith by your works, and 
I now request you to select some object of charity, and bestow 
upon it at your first opportunity such an amount as your heart 
and means dictate. This will be reckoned the first fruits of 
your obedience, according to the word of God. 'As for the ob- 
lation of the first fruits, you shall offer them unto the Lord.' " 

In the Mosaic Book, after having received the initiatory 
degree : 

"No preparation of the candidate, save a willing and obe- 
dient spirit, is demanded for this (Jephthah's Daughter), or 
subsequent degrees. But, as a means of ascertaining the feel- 
ings which prompt the applicant to advance, it is recommended 
that she be solicited to devote a sum, small or great, according 
to her ability and disposition, to the widow's fund of the Con- 
stellation, as the first fruits of her adoption. Moneys so re- 
ceived must be set apart in strict accordance with the wishes 
of the donor." 

SPONSORS. 

In Mosaic Book and Adoptive Rite, at the time of initi- 
ation, some one was required to be responsible for the good 
faith of the candidate. 

EXAMINATION. 

The Mosaic Book provided that at an examination of a 
visitor a declaration should be made which answered the pur- 
pose of a test oath, and the examination consisted of thirty-five 
questions, covering colors, signs, and all the emblems and their 
allusions. 

CHRONOLOGY. 

In the Book of Instructions, the directions as to dating 
documents of the Order were as follows: "1861, 97th day; 
implied, April 17, 1861 ; 1863, 310th day; October 11, 1863;" 
etc. 

In Adoptive Rite, the year A. D. was supplemented by 
"A. O. — Anno ordinis, — year of the Order. To find this date 
subtract 1778 from the present year." 






DEGREEvS, EMBLEMS, ETC. 125 

ODES. 
The Mosaic Book contained an ode appropriate to each de- 
gree, the production of Brother Morris: "Father! Father, 
the Joyful Minstrel Sang;" "From Moab's Hills;" "Queen of 
Persia's Broad Domain ;" "Low in the Dust" and "Her Gentle 
Hand." In the second edition "The Dirge of the Freemason's 
Daughter" and "Love and Light" were added. The first five 
were also in Morris's Manual. 

, The Family by-laws contained the five first above men- 
tioned, and three others, including : 

"Alas! my daughter, why these tears? 
Who is this so sad appears? 
What wilt thou of thy sorrowing friend? 
Believest thou this grief will end? 
Love one another and thou'lt prove 
From all these tears an angel's love." 

Macoy's Manual introduced "Here Around the Altar Meet- 
ing" to the tune of "Just Before the Battle, Mother," and his 
subsequent publications contained substantially the same odes, 
with the addition of several familiar hymns. 

When the General Grand Chapter ritual was first pub- 
lished, at the request of the chairman of the committee on pub- 
lication, Addie C. S. Bario (Engle), Past Grand Matron of 
Connecticut, wrote three odes, which were published in the 
collection issued by that body under the name of "Odes with 
Music," viz.: "With Earnest Hearts and Willing Hands;" 
"Of Thee, Supreme Grand Power Above" and "Called from 
Labor to Repose." 

In 1882 Lorraine J. Pitkin and Jennie E. Mathews, now 
Past Most Worthy Grand Matrons, issued a collection of odes 
entitled "Gems of Song for Eastern Star Chapters," and in 
1899 Carrie F. Bradford, Past Matron of Indianapolis, pub- 
lished, under the title of "The Musical Star," a collection of 
odes, and a complete arrangement of musical marches, etc., for 
the entire ceremonies of the Chapter. 

PASS-WORDS. 
The Mosaic Book provided for "a memorial, commuicated 
semi-annually by the Supreme Constellation to Heleon, and by 



126 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

him to all Pillars and Correspondents, and such stellse and pro- 
tectors as may contemplate traveling." 

The Book of Instructions : 

**The Patron, immediately after his installation, selects one 
of the twenty-five words engraved around the border of the 
membership board, according to his own judgment, and com- 
municates it to the members. This remains as the peculiar 
countersign of the Family for twelve months." 

In California Ritual an annual pass-word was taken up at 
the opening of the Chapter. 

The practice has prevailed in half a dozen jurisdictions of 
taking up a pass-word at the opening of both Grand and subor- 
dinate Chapters, but there is no authority in the ritual for such 
a custom, and the General Grand Chapter in 1895 decided that 
a pass- word was not necessary. 

Formerly, in Connecticut, and possibly in other States, it 
was the practice for the Matron to announce before the open- 
ing of the Chapter : **We will open with the pass of Adah," 
or one other of the five points, and the pass designated was 
taken up by the Conductress and Associate Conductress; and 
the Grand Chapter of Michigan, at its meeting in 1900, passed 
a resolution allowing this to be done, as did also the Grand 
Chapter of Wisconsin. 

SIGNS, ETC. 

The tuilleur which was printed in the Mosaic Book gave 
specific directions as to the manner of giv- 
ing all the secret work, and the signs w^ere 
illustrated by artistic engravings of each 
movement, which agree substantially with 
those prescribed in Morris's Manual, the 
Macoy syllabus, and with those now in use, 
save that the fourth sign was given kneel- 
ing, and the third movement of the third 
sign was as here illustrated. 

The directions for a responsive sign 
were : 

''Place the right hand upon the center of 
the breast, then move it slowly upward and 
forward to the full length of the arm." This was said to 




DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 127 

point out the source from whence Adoptive Masonry receives 
its illumination. 

The passes remain unchanged from the beginning. 

The words "ten" and ''and" were dropped from the motto 
by the General Grand Chapter. 

In Mosaic Book the Bible was to be opened at Isaiah Ixiii. 

Thesauros prescribed white and green as "the mourning 
colors of the Order from time immemorial." Masons' sisters 
were given the precedence in a funeral procession, followed in 
order by daughters, widows, wives and sisters-in-law, "brought 
up in the rear by the brother protectors." 

BANQUETS. 

The Mosaic Book recommended that "Every meeting, 
whether stated or called, should be concluded, when practicable, 
with a social repast." 

In the Book of Instructions a ceremony was provided for 
the opening of a banquet, behind tyled doors, beginning with 
an invocation : 

'•'Source of every earthly pleasure, 

Bounteous Author of all good, 
In Thy mercy's largest measure, 

Bless this meeting and this food. 
Grateful hearts will then adore Thee, 

Grateful lives Thy mercy own. 
Till in heaven we stand before Thee, 

Till we worship by Thy throne." 

Then each of five officers held up a pasteboard letter, about 
an inch in height, representing the cabalistic word, and alter- 
nately repeated a word of the motto. 

"Then five other officers and members (not visitors), com- 
mencing with the Recorder and going around on his left, hold 
up the stars (biscuits baked very hard and dry, cut in the form 
of a five-pointed star, about the size of a silver dollar), and as 
each breaks off one point, he or she repeats the explanation as 
follows : 

"Recorder — Remember the birth of Christ! Remember 
the life of Christ! Remember the death of Christ! Remem- 
ber the resurrection of Christ! Remember the ascension of 
Christ ! 



128 DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC, 

''Then all present, officers, members and visitors, hold up 
their bouquets (of flowers of the five colors), and repeat the 
following invocation, the Patron leading the way, and the rest 
responding in unison: 

''Break off a blue flower and repeat : Blessed are the poor 
in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

Then followed four other beatitudes in a similar manner. 
Toward the close of the banquet five regular toasts were given, 
with another ceremonial breaking and eating of a star biscuit. 
They were of a stereotyped character of which the following 
will serve as a specimen : 

"Lasting honor to her — and whosoever resembles her — 
who cheerfully resigned her life to vindicate the honor of her 
father." 

ADDITIONAL DEGREES. 

Thesauros declared "The Order of the Eastern Star em- 
braces five degrees and no more, nor can further degrees ever 
be legally accumulated upon it." 

Macoy's Standard: 

"The Rite of Adoption was never designed to be wholly em- 
bodied within the limits of one degree, but like that great insti- 
tution into whose fraternal organization it was intended to be 
adopted, it should teach its lessons step by step, each advancing 
ceremony to be higher and more instructive in principle and 
design." 

The Grand Chapter of New York adopted the Worthy 
Matron's degree in 1873, the Floral Work in 1882 and the 
Sisterhood degree in 1895. 

In 1877 the Grand Chapter of Mississippi authorized its 
subordinates to confer the Mason's Daughter; Heroine of 
Jericho; Queen of the South, and Cross and Crown. 

The General Grand Chapter in 1895 approved the action 
of the Most Worthy Grand Matron in refusing to recognize 
any so-called higher degrees, and in 1898 it 

"Resolved, That there are no degrees connected in any way 
or manner with our Order other than those provided for and 
taught in the ritual. 

'^Resolved, That any member willfully representing to any 
one that there are side degrees, higher degrees, or any degrees 



DEGREES, EMBLEMS, ETC. 129 

Other than those taught and provided for by our ritual, shall 
be guilty of conduct unbecoming a member of the Order, and, 
upon conviction thereof, shall be suspended or expelled from 
the Order." 



CHAPTER VI. 




MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

HERE have been issued in limited numbers works 
containing arrangements of ceremonies to be used 
in lieu of portions of the work, or as additions 
thereto, the oldest being two issued by the Grand 
Chapter of Connecticut, viz. : 
'Short Specimen Dramas, Founded on Scripture Sub- 
This embraced the four degrees of the Mosaic Book, 
revised, which Chapters were allowed to use in place of the 
regular ritual. 

2. "Addenda." This supplied many things that were 
needful to round out the work under Adoptive Rite. It was 
largely adapted from the Mosaic Book, and included explana- 
tions of the colors, emblems, etc. 

"Monitor of the Exemplified Work" was printed by Min- 
neapolis Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the use of 
which was made the groundwork for the beginning of what 
was popularly known as the Minnesota muddle. It was an 
attempt to inject into the degrees, as in the General Grand 
Chapter ritual, certain dramatic effects, substituting for por- 
tions of the lectures, dramatic action. It was much briefer 
than the Mosaic Book, and lacked the grandeur that that con- 
tained. There was nothing in common between the two, and 
it is evident that the authors of the latter work had never seen 
the former. 

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

Chapter of Sorrow, by Addie C. S. Engle. This service, 
written in 1888, and approved by the General Grand Chapter, 
has found wide acceptance with the Order, and has been offi- 
cially adopted by many Grand Chapters, both for their own 
use and that of their subordinates. It embraces opening and 
closing ceremonies with parts for all the officers, and provides 
for the forming of a floral star surrounded by a wreath, which, 



132 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

with other emblems, are deposited upon a memorial shrine. 
There are also original hymns, and the dedication is to Rob 
Morris, who passed beyond this life a few months before it 
was written, in these lines : 

"The harp which late so sweetly rang 

Hangs stringless now and still; 
The master wakes its chords no more 

Obedient to his will. 

O, who shall wake again that lyre 

And sing our Order's weal? 
Who follow in his steps, and to 

Our vows be ever leal? 

The cause he loved he honored well. 

Its light he followed far; 
Death's gloomy vale was all illumed 

By Bethlehem's holy Star, 

To chant with joy redemption's song 

May voice to him be given. 
The song of Moses and the Lamb, 

The melody of heaven." 

It is designed for public use, and is calculated to make the 
very best impression upon non-members. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE NO. 2. 

Draping the Altar, by Addie C. S. Engle. This service, 
written in 1908 for the purpose of furnishing a brief form for 
draping the altar in Grand or Subordinate Chapters. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

By Elvira Adams Atwood, Grand Chaplain of Michigan, 
was prepared primarily for that Grand Chapter, and is a brief 
and beautiful service. 

CHAPTER OF SORROW. 

In 1886 Charles C. Dike, Past Grand Patron of Massachu- 
setts, published an edition of the Macoy Chapter of Sorrow, 
with very slight changes, the principal one being the giving of 
certain portions of the ceremony that in the Macoy were per- 
formed by the Patron, to the Matron. 

FUNERAL CEREMONIES. 

About 1876 Golden Gate Chapter No. i, of San Francisco, 
published a funeral ceremony which was an adaptation of that 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 133 

contained in Adoptive Rite. Provision was made for the ren- 
dering of the first portion of it in the Chapter room, instead of 
at the grave; all of it was rendered by the Matron instead of 
the Patron, and the star parts were entirely left out, the floral 
star being deposited in the grave with these words : 

'*This floral emblem of the Eastern Star, framed from Na- 
ture's loveliest materials, is emblematical of that pure life to 
which our sister has been called, and reminds us that as these 
children of an hour will drop and fade away, so we too shall 
soon follow those who have gone before us. I now deposit 
this emblem of our Order in the grave of our departed sister. 
Here may she sleep in peace, where the murmurs of the winds 
and trees will chant their eternal requiem, and the fairest 
flowers affection's hand can plant will cover her grave with 
perpetual bloom." 

THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. 

This was an adaptation by Brother Macoy of a degree ar- 
ranged by Brother Morris, probably from some form in which 
he had received it orally, and it is one of the crudest produc- 
tions that was ever published as a degree from the pens of 
these brethren. Although it was incorporated in some edi- 
tions of Macoy 's rituals, it never was rendered with any regu- 
larity that I can learn of in any Chapter. In fact, I do not 
know that it was ever worked more than once or twice. It 
enlisted all the fourteen officers of a Chapter and was rendered 
in the royal palace of King Solomon, on Mount Zion, who is 
"seated upon his great throne of ivory, overlaid with pure 
gold, surrounded with his officers and courtiers, and the kings 
of foreign nations, ambassadors, philosophers, and others who 
had come to gather wisdom from his lips." 

The purpose of the degree was well set forth in an address 
to the court : 

"In this beautiful allegory we have considered the objec- 
tions urged against the admission of ladies into the knowledge 
of Masonic principles. Those objections advanced by King 
Solomon were so easily answered and refuted by the Queen of 
the South, that it was impossible even for the wisest of men 
to maintain them." 

The argument referred to was carried on between King 



134 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

Solomon and the officers of the Chapter as proxies for the 
candidate, who represented the Queen of Sheba. 

THE CROSS AND CROV>^N. 
Brother Macoy's original plan, which he worked out on 
paper in 1875, was to make the Queen of the South the second, 
and the Cross and Crown the third degree in the Adoptive 
Rite, but the latter was no more suited to enlist the interest of 
intelligent persons than was the former, and if anything it was 
cruder and more lacking in unity. It was to be worked by 
Chapter officers in a body called a Court, the point officers 
forming a cross instead of a star. The degree consisted of 
the brief mention of five American women who had been 
foreign missionaries; the presentation of five objections to 
Masonry on behalf of the women, and their refutation by the 
Patron; the mention of four great crosses in human life: 
ingratitude, poverty, sickness and death, which may culminate 
in the crown of life; and the application of five religious 
graces : piety, friendship, resignation, truth and constancy. 
The ritual was illustrated with banners for the five divisions 
of the degree which covered the baptism, temptation, agony, 
crucifixion and ascension of the Saviour. It would require a 
wise ritualist to take this abundance of incongruous material 
and work it all into one harmonious degree. It is no wonder 
that the attempt was a failure. 

MATRON'S AD]\IINISTRATIVE DEGREE. 

This was a production of Brother Macoy, and was to be 
conferred upon Matrons before their installation, or as soon 
thereafter as possible, in an administrative council made up 
of Past Matrons and Past Patrons, and was founded upon the 
scripture narrative of Deborah and Barak, and was intended 
"to explain and dignify the powers, duties, and responsibilities 
of the presiding officer of a warranted Chapter." The object 
was to show "what strong faith in a single woman may do for 
a whole nation." 

STAR AND CROSS, OR PREPARATORY WORK. 

This was by S. Clark, Past Patron of Radiant Chapter No. 
35, of New York, who dedicated it to John J. Sproull, Past 
Grand Secretary of New York, and was published in 1876. 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 135 

It consisted solely of scripture recitations and marches. To it 
was appended a lesson of purity, with a suitable introduction. 
Its purpose was stated in the preface. 

"With the restoration of the Adoptive Rite under the 
names of the Eastern Star the figure of the Saviour was pre- 
sented in the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, but the teach- 
ings of the Great Master were omitted. It resembled the clay 
image ere immortal breath had quickened it. This little work 
which is added are the words and teachings of Him of whom 
the star is the symbol, and is calculated and intended to pre- 
pare the mind of the initiate for a proper reception of the 
ritual. ... It not only, by due solemnity, prepares the 
mind for a proper reception of the main work, but is also cal- 
culated to impress it with the beauty and truth of the sacred 
scriptures, by planting the germ which will only require cul- 
ture to ultimate in purity of life, by leading the votary the true 
path to heaven and a blessed immortality." 

THE AMARANTH. 

This was intended by Brother Macoy as the third and high- 
est degree in his revised system of Adoptive Masonry, and 
the ''Court" consisted of the same number of officers as a 
Chapter, but they were given more exalted titles. The Matron 
and Patron were ''Royal," while all the others had "Honored" 
prefixed to their titles. After assuming the obligation, the 
candidate was caused to partake of salt and bread with the 
officers, "To share bread and salt with another is to exchange 
confidence and pledge hospitality." "By this act we, in behalf 
of this Chapter, seal and make perpetual our mutual bond of 
friendship." The lessons at the points were Truth, Faith, 
Wisdom and Charity. One of the most beautiful passages 
was at the fourth point, Charity : 

"There is a beautiful thought conveyed in the legend, that 
on the shores of the Adriatic sea the wives of the fishermen, 
whose husbands have gone far off upon the deep, are in the 
habit, at eventide, of going down to the seashore and singing 
the first verse of a favorite hymn. After they have sung it 
they listen till they hear, borne by the winds across the desert 
sea, the second verse sung by their husbands as they are tossed 
by the gale upon the waves, thus rendering happiness to all. 



136 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

Perhaps, if we listen, we too may hear in the desert world, 
some whisper borne from afar to remind us that there is a 
heavenly home ; and when we sing a hymn upon earth it may 
be we shall hear its echo breaking in sweet melody upon the 
sands of time, cheering the hearts of those who, perchance, are 
pilgrims and strangers, looking for a city that hath sure 
foundations. (When possible to do so, a choir of ladies and 
gentlemen will sing two verses of a familiar hymn ; the ladies, 
being in a distant part of the Chapter room, will sing the first 
verse and the gentlemen, in an adjoining room with the door 
ajar, will sing the second verse.)" 

The candidate arriving in the East the Royal Matron said : 
''The ceremony by which Knighthood is conferred is called 
the accolade. Conforming to this custom and by the authority 
vested in me, I receive you (places a sword on the left and 
right shoulders, and on the head of the candidate), and confer 
upon you the dignity of a Lady of the Royal and Exalted de- 
gree of the Amaranth ; and as the Amaranthine flower is typi- 
cal of undying friendship and eternal truth, so with this right 
hand accept our pledge of an abiding trust, and a cordial re- 
ception into our fellowship." 

Conducted to the West she was crowned with a wreath : 
"This is no diadem of gold; no cinture of pearls; no regal 
tiara ; no frame-work of gems, velvet lined, like that which so 
often presses upon the aching brows of royalty. That is a 
badge of power; frequently empty, unsubstantial and delusive. 
But our crown and our act of coronation have a higher and a 
nobler meaning. We crown you as being eminent for virtue, 
zeal and well-doing; showing charity to the destitute, and 
faithful in every walk of life. May all your footsteps fall 
upon flowers. May all your good intentions be fraught with 
success. May your last days be 3^our best. We crown you in 
the hope of immortality. There is no death to the pure and 
loving. May your admission to the land celestial and everlast- 
ing be sure, and your entrance full of delight. And as the 
years roll along and bring about the great consummation for 
which we all hopefully wait, may your ransomed spirit be 
crowned with the never-ceasing favor of Almighty God." 
The candidate was then made to bear the banner of the 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 137 

Order which embraced the Eastern Star within which was a 
circle bearing the letters S. H. E. B. A., while in the center 
was an Amaranthine wreath. 

THE FLORAL WORK. 

This was the work of Brother Alonzo J. Burton, of New 
York, in which the candidate is presented with appropriate 
flowers by each of the point officers, and the Associate Con- 
ductress. A full programme of vocal music usually accom- 
panies it, as well as the rendering of the floral march, in which 
figures and letters are formed by the officers participating. 
This work has been officially adopted and published by the 
Grand Chapter of New York, and the work as arranged by 
John N. Bunnell, Past Grand Patron of New Jersey, has been 
adopted by some other Grand Chapters, and is widely used; 
few of those who have enjoyed witnessing it probably know 
who its modest author is. 

It includes some of the secret work, and should only be 
given in private, but several jurisdictions allow its public use, 
the secret parts being, of course, omitted. Ten officers partic- 
ipate in its rendering. 

SISTERHOOD DEGREE. 

This was the invention of Brother Alonzo J. Burton, and 
was adopted by the Grand Chapter of New York, but we be- 
lieve was never printed. It was intended to follow the de- 
grees of the Eastern Star, and the officers were entitled 
Honored Matron, Associate, Deaconness, Preceptress, Treas- 
urer, Secretary, Warder, Sentinel, Faith, Hope and Charity. 
The life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, formed the foundation 
of the degree, although the ladder of Jacob was brought in to 
support the lessons of faith, hope and charity. The lessons of 
the degree were beautiful, as witness the following: 

'Through the darkness of doubt and gloom we advance 
toward the light and truth; through the clouds and shadows 
of the night of death we pass into the realms of immortality. 
The afflictions and calamities of life which are its darkness, 
and the gloom which broods over the precincts of the grave^ 
not the light of health and the enjoyment of prosperity, 
chasten us and fit us for eternal life." 



138 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

The birth of the Saviour is rehearsed, but there is a con- 
founding of the Shepherds with the Wise Men which is so 
common and so strange. In many w^ays the degree is of supe- 
rior merit, and is worthy of w^ider use than it has attained, as 
an addenda to the w^ork. 

THE VOCAL STAR. 

This is by Addie C. S. Engle, and was written for, and first 
rendered by the Past Grand Matrons of Michigan before that 
body in 1890. It is not, as many infer from its title, a musical 
production, although music, both vocal and instrumental, can 
be very profitably introduced into it, but it is an attempt to give 
the star of our Chapter a voice as well by types and symbols, 
by emblems and flowers, as by words. Its object is briefly 
summarized in its introductory : 

'Tn the inception of the Order of the Eastern Star some 
imagery w^as used in its ritualistic work which has not been 
retained in the present initiatory ceremony. Those who re- 
member the well-loved symbolism, and regret its omission, will 
welcome this attempt to preserve some of it from oblivion, and 
the author cheerfully acknowledges her indebtedness to the old 
Mosaic work; to the ritual of Adoptive Masonry as formerly 
used in Michigan ; to the Connecticut addenda, and to the first 
ritual of the General Grand Chapter, whose explanation of the 
resemblance between the language of the emblematic flowers 
and the heroines they represent had been too carefully made to 
be entirely lost. The balance is original with her who, being 
earnestly engaged in the work when these various figures were 
used, has treasured them in her heart through many changes, 
and with a simple arrangement of her own, now offers them 
for the enjoyment of others." 

The work is usually accompanied by the Vocal Star march, 
in which various letters and figures are formed, the voice of 
the star closing with these words : 

''Accept now, dear friends, as we part here tonight, 

Our wish that the bright Vocal Star 
May cheer you through life with its radiance bright; 

And pierce every gloom from afar. 
The Star in the East with its lesson fraught ray, 

If taken at once for our guide. 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 139 

Shall lighten each lab'rinth we meet on life's way, 
And comfort, whatever betide; 

Its five radiant beams earth's dim pathway shall gild, 

Its blue shall combine with its gold. 
Its red and its green with rich treasures be filled, 

All teaching the same gospel old; 
And when their rich lessons, our spirits shall con, 

We then learn this truth ( strangely odd ) , 
That all of the colors our souls must put on, 

To make up the white light of God! 

Accept then our wishes for happiness blest. 

As '"forth in the world," we all go; 
'"Not knowing what trials," but leaving the rest 

With Him who "upholds" as we go, 
God grant that we meet, where our Star shall await, 

When earth robe and staff are laid down, 
And pass through the entrance of that pearly gate, 

Wliere cross is exchanged for the crown." 



THE MYSTIC TIE. 

This is a ceremony for the reception of Grand Officers, and 
other distinguished visitors, by Addie C. S. Engle, and enhsts 
sixteen officers. It inchides the formation of marches, of the 
star, cross and square, and brings out the teachings of the 
jewels of the Order. After the presentation of flowers for 
the guests the mystic chain is formed, and the ceremony closes 
with: 

•'Dear members of the mystic tie, 
Walk as beneath the All-seeing Eye. 

Live true the vows we've uttered here. 

And prove we hold them sacred, dear. 
Our jeweled links should each proclaim 
Our truth in deed as well as name. 

Thus, from our earthly life-Avork fair. 

The outside world can vision there 
All of the love, relief and truth 
Which we now hold as highest ruth. 

Then, when our links, quick broken, fall 
And each one hears the angel-call, 

May no far scattered tie be lost, 

From out the grand celestial host, 
But our fraternal chain of love 
Still brighter glow in realms above. 



140 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

God grant we form this severed chain 

And meet these broken links again 
Within the golden sunrise land 
Where Love divine shall clasp the band." 

THE PILGRIMS. 

This, by Ella A. Bigelow, is largely in verse and musical, 
and requires five officers and seven pilgrims, the latter enter- 
ing, clothed in black and presenting offerings to the Matron, 
who crowns each, and communicates to her a pass-word. It 
can be rendered publicly. 

THE GUIDING LIGHT. 
This is a poetical production with parts for the various 
officers, by Julia C. Tenney, and is a very pleasing ceremony, 
reiterating in new form the lessons of the Order. 

DECORATION CEREMONY. 

The proper title of this is "A ceremonial for observance at 
the resting places of our beloved dead," by Julia C. Tenney. 
The title gives a good idea of its purpose. Provision is made 
for forming several evolutions, and the text breathes the poetic 
spirit of the author, as 

*'We come not in sable garb, we bear no cypress wreaths 
to place above the sleeping dust beneath us ; but the fresh, fra- 
grant flowers of love and trust we scatter here; and unto the 
freed ones who now walk in wider fields, gathering richer 
bloom, and who may, even now, be listening unto us, with 
tender voice we cry, 'Mizpah,' Beloved." 

A FLORAL TRIBUTE FROM MICHIGAN. 

This is a short ceremony for the presentation of flowers to 
the candidate, after the conclusion of the initiatory work, 
gleaned by Hattie C. Derthick, Past Grand Matron in 1903. 

THE GUIDING STAR AND FLORAL OFFERING. 

By Mary T. Molyneaux, Past Grand Matron of Minne- 
sota, first published in 1903, embraces a floral ceremony and 
after drill in which the point emblems are formed. 

THE STAR-CROWNED CROSS. 

This is an addenda by Julia C. Tenney principally in verse^ 
and into it are woven several marches, and considerable music. 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 141 

both vocal and instrumental. The formation of a floral, star- 
crowned cross is impressively done. The following will give 
an idea of the style : 

"We bind them in chaplets snowy. 

And their crimson petals strew 
O'er the hearts who fondly loved us 

In the days of long ago. 
And often a tender memory 

Is born of their rare perfume, 
And a sweet -voiced mother whispers, 

Our pathway to illume. 
'Twas there, by the dear old cottage. 

From the porch above the door, 
We gathered the old-time beauties. 

In the days that are no more! 
*Twas there, in the dusky twilight, 

When the night dropped softly down, 
She told us the old, old story. 

Of the Star— the Cross— the Crown!" 

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 

This is a service arranged by Helen H. Stires, Past Grand 
Matron of Nebraska, to be held by Chapters on the first Sim- 
day after Christmas, which was adopted by that Grand Chap- 
ter in 1895, and published by it. It is a service for public 
worship largely adapted from the prayer book. 

THE FIVE JEWELS OF THE ORIENT. 

This is a volume of 244 pages by Juliette T. Burton, pub- 
lished by the Masonic Publishing Company in 187 1. It was 
an effort to recount the lives of the five heroines in a romantic 
way, throwing an air of naturalness around them. The first 
four followed closely the outline of the scripture accounts, 
additional scenes being thrown in to fill out the story. Adah 
was the Turquoise before Jephthah; Ruth the Topaz in the 
field of Boaz; Esther the Diamond before Ahasuerus, and 
Martha the Emerald before Christ. But the story of Electa, 
who was represented by the Ruby, differs widely from that 
portrayed in the rituals of the Order, but as the character is 
purely a fictitious one, the "Lives of the Saints" not having 
Electa's name recorded, of course Sister Burton had the right 
to picture her as she pleased. The Mosaic Book made Electa 



142 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

the wife of Gaius, while Sister Burton gives her in marriage 
to Adrian, and makes her the mother of Gaius. Contrary to 
generally received tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is pic- 
tured as the head of a large family. Electa is transported 
from Judea to Athens, and from thence to Rome, where she 
suffers martyrdom. 

THE STAR OF LIGHT. 

A book of 78 pages, by Lizzie J. Beller, published in 1898. 
The titles are, The Blue Veil; Ruth, the Gleaner; The Signet 
of Solomon; If a Man Die Shall He Live Again? and The Red 
Rose, each illustrating the lesson of one of the points of the 
star. All but the fourth are in poetry. 

MAGIC LANTERN MONITOR. 

This was an arrangement by Kimball Sedgwick, of Sun- 
bury, Ohio, by which the lantern slides illustrating the work of 
the Order, were explained by a beautiful lecture made up 
largely of excerpts from the poems of Brother Morris, Sister 
Engle, Susanna C. Russell and selected hymns. In the publi- 
cation of his work Brother Sedgwick included the portraits of 
many of the leading members of the Order in the country, 
and particularly in his own State. 

CONSTITUTING AND OTHER CEREMONIES. 

Most of the Grand Chapters have at different times set 
forth forms for instituting and constituting Chapters, and 
some of them ceremonies for opening and closing Grand 
Chapter, but they were drawn upon parallel lines, and do not 
demand separate or special mention. 

A REVIEW. 
This was a review of the critical and explanatory notes of 
Robert Macoy, of the ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star 
as published by authority of the General Grand Chapter, by 
Willis D. Engle, and was published in 1879, soon after the 
publication of "Critical and Explanatory Notes," and con- 
tained all of said notes, with a specific answer to each of them. 
It was intended to set before the members of the Order its 
true status at that time, and was gratuitously circulated by the 
General Grand Chapter. It was a 32mo book of forty pages. 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 143 

All the essential facts are covered by this history, and yet the 
little book must ever prove of interest to Eastern Star antiqua- 
rians as presenting a nearer view of the matters in controversy 
than it would have been advisable to incorporate herein. 

''a monument of gratitude, 
To illustrious sisters and brothers, officers and past officers, of 
all Eastern Star Chapters; to Grand and Past Grand Officers 
of all governing bodies of the Rite ; finally, to all members of 
the Order of the Eastern Star, and all who respect long and 
faithful service, this appeal for a thank offering to Robert 
Morris, Founder and Patriarch of the Eastern Star Order, is 
lovingly and hopefully presented by the committee." 

Such was the title of a thirty-two page pamphlet issued by 
Brother Morris in 1884, the object of which was to raise a 
fund, in shares of five dollars each, to be permanently invested 
in interest-paying securities for the sole benefit of Brother 
Morris and his wife. An elegant, engraved certificate, and 
an elegant medal in bronze, were to be presented to each share- 
holder. The money was to be sent to the Grand Patron hav- 
ing jurisdiction, or direct to Brother Morris, and a full list of 
contributors, with the amounts, etc., was to be published and 
a copy sent to each subscriber, but it is believed that this effort 
was not successful, and that neither the certificates nor medals 
were ever issued. In the pamphlet was contained a seven- 
page history of the origin of the Order, by Brother Morris, 
which embraces many erroneous statements, a few of which 
have already been noticed. Some which have not been were 
the statements that the Mosaic Book was prepared in 1856, 
and the Morris Manual in 1859, while the correct dates were 
1855 and i860, respectively. 

IN RE MINNESOTA MATTER— SPECIAL REPORT. 

In 1886 the Most Worthy Grand Patron made a special 
report to the General Grand Chapter on matters connected 
with the Order in Minnesota, which was published before the 
meeting of that bod}^ that its members might have a full 
statement of the case in type; but the body did not deem it 
advisable that it should be incorporated in the proceedings. 
The Most Worthy Grand Matron had not been in accord with 



144 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

the Most Worthy Grand Patron in his actions in the premises, 
and presented her views in her address, but after the body had 
passed upon them, the following request was granted : 

"The M. W. Grand Matron requests the privilege of elim- 
inating from her address such portions as refer to the personal 
differences between herself and the M. W. Grand Patron in 
relation to the Minnesota case, as she has no desire, neither 
does she deem it proper, that such matters should be brought 
to the attention of the outside world, yet she felt it to be justice 
to herself that she be permitted to call the attention of this 
Grand Body to the facts alluded to in that portion of her 
address." 

As the address of the Most Worthy Grand Matron had not 
been previously printed, this portion was lost to the Order, but 
copies of the special report of the Most Worthy Grand Patron 
are preserved as valuable mementoes. 

FACTS CONCERNING O. E. S. MATTERS IN MINNESOTA. 

This was a pamphlet of twenty-nine pages set forth by 
Grand Chapter No. 2, March 25, 1890, and intended to show 
the case as seen from its standpoint, and contained much in- 
formation not embraced in the printed proceedings of either 
Grand Chapter. 

A PLAIN STATEMENT. 

This was a document of eighteen pages, issued by the 
principal officers of Grand Chapter of Minnesota No. i, July 
15, 1890, in response to the document named above, and was 
incorporated in the proceedings of the body for that year. 

NAMES OF CHAPTERS. 

In "A Monument of Gratitude" Brother Morris had quite 
an extended article on the names given to Chapters, which he 
classified. Any one giving attention to the subject will be 
struck with the contrast that exists between the nomenclature 
of the Order and that of the Masonic. He divided the names 
of Chapters as they then existed into classes, as follows: 
I, Heroines of the Order and other ladies; 2, Solar, stellar 
and celestial terms; 3, Terms from field, forest and garden; 
4, Names of sacred and memorial localities; 5, Names of gems 
and objects of ornament; 6, Names derived from Freema- 



MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 145 

sonry; 7, Miscellaneous. The best rule, under ordinary cir- 
cumstances, is to name the Chapter after its location, which 
identifies it at once and avoids confusion. Thus Minne- 
sota has Jasper Chapter at Rush City, and Taylor Chapter at 
Jasper; Oregon, Elgin at Myrtle Point, and Blue Mountain 
at Elgin ; Washington, Fern at Tacoma, and Ivy at Fern Hill ; 
Indiana, Clinton at Frankfort, and Jerusalem at Clinton ; Lib- 
erty at Sylvania, and Violet at Liberty; Illinois, Victoria at 
Patoka, and Vera at Victoria; Virginia at Ashmore, and Ada 
Robinson at Virginia; Eureka at Louisville, and Doric at 
Eureka; Normal at DeKalb, and Felicity at Normal. Some 
good opportunities, it would seem, have been missed: e. g., 
the Chapter at Morris, Minnesota, is named Corinthian; that 
at Hope, North Dakota, is named Fidelity; that at Eldorado, 
Kansas, Andrina, and at St. Johns, Henry Rohr. The Chap- 
ter at Lakeview, Arkansas, is called Carden's Bottom; that at 
Morris, Illinois, is Laurel. Some felicitous departures are: 
Celestial City, at Pekin, Illinois; Merry Meeting, at Fairfield, 
Maine, and Happy Home, at Holdenville, Oklahoma. 

PERIODICALS. 

There have been a number of exclusively Eastern Star 
monthlies published in different parts of the country, but we 
believe only three survive. Most of the Masonic journals 
devote space to the news and interests of the Order. The old- 
est exclusively Eastern Star journal is The Eastern Star; 
others are Star Light and the National Mizpah Eastern Star 
Magazine. Nothing more tends to promote interest in the 
Order than the regular perusal of such periodicals, as they 
tend to keep the members in touch with the Order generally, 
and to give them a better idea of its growth and work. 

POEMS. 

Brother Morris, "the poet laureate of Freemasonry," 
wielded a graceful pen, and his poems in connection with the 
Eastern Star were valuable additions to its literature, and 
were, perhaps, the most numerous of any writer. The widest 
used poem is that of H. T. Stanton, "In Mason's Hall," as it 
was also among the first, after the productions of Brother 
Morris. Addie C. S. Engle has written some thirty poems in 



146 MINOR RITUALS, CEREMONIES, ETC. 

the interest of the Order, while Hattie E. Parmelee, of Iowa, 
has written one for each point of the star, and one entitled 
''Our Altar." Other writers who have made valuable contri- 
butions in this line include Bessie R. Hastings, Past Grand 
Matron of Ohio; L. Timmerman, of Michigan; Susannah C. 
Russell, of Indiana; Clarissa B. Curtiss, Past Grand Matron 
of Connecticut; Charles McCutcheon, Past Grand Secretary 
of Washington; Mary L. Paine, Past Grand Matron of Ver- 
mont ; Giles P. Brown, of Michigan ; Julia C. Tenney, of Mas- 
sachusetts ; Helen E. C. Balmer, Past Grand Matron of Michi- 
gan; William J. Duncan, Past Grand Patron of New York; 
Elvira Adams Atwood, of Michigan; M. S. Nichols, of Illi- 
nois, and J. E. H. Boardman, while Mrs. Josie F. Cappleman 
has been crowned poetess laureate of Arkansas. Many of 
these poems are familiar to the members of the Order, as they 
are frequently used to promote the interest of the Chapter 
meetings, under the head of "The good of the Order." 



PART TWO. 



CONTAINING A CONCISE BUT COPIOUS HISTORY OF 
THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER, AND OF ALL 
GRAND CHAPTERS, FROM THEIR ORGANIZATION 
TO DATE, A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF THE 
ORDER IN THE MATTER OF HOMES AND A RESUME 
OF ITS JURISPRUDENCE. 



CHAPTER I. 




GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

N THIS part is first presented a list of the various 
Grand Bodies in the order of their organization; 
which is followed, first by a history of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter, and then by histories of the 
different Grand Chapters in alphabetical order. 
In these sketches the aim has been to give the essential facts, 
and to record such things of note as are of general interest, or 
out of the ordinary. The balances in the several Grand Chap- 
ters aggregate over $220,000. 

AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 

In many jurisdictions auxiliary societies, being organiza- 
tions composed of sisters of the Order, whose objects are, gen- 
erally, to add to the social features, and by entertainments, 
sewing, and other means to procure funds for charitable and 
other needs, flourish. They are sometimes called by the name 
of the Chapter, e. g., "Queen Esther Auxiliary," and some- 
times by other names, as ''Electa Social," 'Areme Society," 
or ''Emera Club," using the initials of the names of the hero- 
ines. They have often proved of great assistance in the field 
of work they have chosen, but like every effort toward the 
accomplishment of any object worth attaining, care and com- 
mon sense are necessary in their formation and government, 
so that there may be no conflict or jealousies engendered by 
them. Michigan is the only State that has legislated concern- 
ing them, ruling that they can only be formed by concurrence 
of the Chapter, and they must report the same as a standing 
committee. 

It would have pleased the author to have presented the 
portraits of the many distinguished sisters and brothers that 
have by their zeal and labors made names for themselves in 
the Order, but their number is legion, and if he had undertaken 
to incorporate them all herein it would have swelled the book 



150 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

and the cost of its production far beyond what could have been 
afforded at the modest price at which he has undertaken to sell 
it, and he did not see how he could venture to make distinc- 
tions without running the serious risk of a charge of favorit- 
ism, so that he concluded to insert only those of the two 
eminent brethren, Morris and Macoy, who have passed from 
this life, and that of the author. 

The following is a list of the Grand Chapters in the order 
of their seniority, the numbers prefixed being of existing 
Grand Chapters: 

1 Michigan, as Grand Lodge of Adoptive Masonry, Octo- 

ber 30, 1867. 

2 New Jersey, July 18, 1870. 

3 New York, November 3, 1870. 

Mississippi (No. i), December 15, 1870. Ceased in 
1877. 

4 California, May 9, 1873. 

5 Vermont, November 12, 1873. 

6 Indiana, May 6, 1874. 

7 Connecticut, August 11, 1874. 

8 Nebraska, June 22, 1875. 

9 Illinois, October 6, 1875. 

10 Missouri, October 13, 1875. 

11 Arkansas, October 2, 1876. 

12 Kansas, October 18, 1876. 

13 General Grand Chapter, November 16, 1876. 

14 Massachusetts, December 11, 1876. 

15 Minnesota, June 28, 1878. 

16 Iowa, July 30, 1878. 

Ontario, May 3, 1882. Ceased in 1883. 

17 Texas, May 5, 1884. 

Minnesota (No. 2), May 12, 1884. Merged May 10, 
1894. 

18 Washington, June 11, 1888. 

19 South Dakota, July 11, 1889. 

Indian Territory, July 11, 1889. Merged with Okla- 
homa February 12, 1909. 

20 Ohio, July 24, 1889. 

21 Oregon, October 3, 1889. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 151 

22 Montana, September 25, 1890. 

23 Wisconsin, February 19, 1891. 

24 New Hampshire, May 12, 1891. 

25 Colorado, June 7, 1892. 

26 Maine, August 24, 1892. 

2y North Dakota, June 14, 1894. 

28 Pennsylvania, November 22, 1894. 

29 Rhode Island, August 22, 1895. 

30 District of Columbia, April 30, 1896. 

31 Wyoming, September 14, 1898. 

32 Maryland, December 23, 1898. 

33 Louisiana, October 4, 1900. 

34 Tennessee, October 18, 1900. 

35 Arizona, November 15, 1900. 

36 Georgia, February 21, 1901. 

37 Alabama, March 6, 1901. 

38 Oklahoma, February 14, 1902. Reorganized Febru- 

ary 12, 1909. 

39 New Mexico, April 11, 1902. 

40 Idaho, April 18, 1902. 

41 Kentucky, June 9, 1903. 

42 Florida, June 7, 1904. 

43 Virginia, June 22, 1904. 

44 West Virginia, June 28, 1904. 

45 Scotland, August 20, 1904. 

46 North Carolina, May 20, 1905. 

47 Nevada, September 19, 1905. 

48 Utah, September 20, 1905. 

49 Mississippi (No. 2), May 29, 1906. 

50 South Carolina, June i, 1907. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 

The preliminary steps leading to the organization of this 
body have been full}^ given in Chapter II, in Part One. The 
convention for its organization was held in the Masonic Tem- 
ple, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 15, 1876, when the 
Grand Chapters of California, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and 
New Jersey were represented. James S. Nutt, Grand Patron 
of Indiana, called the convention to order, and John M. May- 
hew, of New Jersey, the senior Grand Patron present, was 



152 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

chosen President, and John R. Parson, of Missouri, Secretary. 
A committee of one from each jurisdiction, of which Willis D. 
Engle, of Indiana, was chairman, reported a form of constitu- 
tion, which was adopted, and the General Grand Chapter or- 
ganized. A committee to prepare a ritual was appointed, and 
the Most Worthy Grand Patron was authorized to issue dis- 
pensations to all Subordinate Chapters holding charters pur- 
porting to emanate from a Supreme Grand Chapter, upon 
their surrendering the same, without expense. The meeting 
closed with a public installation of officers. The Most 
W^orthy Grand Patron was made the executive head, and the 
powers and authority of the body were thus prescribed : 

''article III. 

"Section i. The General Grand Chapter shall possess no 
other power than is expressly delegated to it. It can exercise 
no doubtful authority or power, by implication merely. All 
Eastern Star authorit}" not hereby granted to it is reserved to 
the Grand Chapters, subordinate Chapters and their members 
individually. 

"Sec. 2. It shall have and maintain jurisdiction over all 
Chapters established by itself in any section of any country 
Avhere there is no Grand Chapter established, and have disci- 
plinary power over such Chapters until a Grand Chapter shall 
be legally organized and recognized by this General Grand 
Chapter, and no longer. 

"Sec. 3. It shall have power to decide all questions of 
Eastern Star law, usage and custom which may arise between 
any two or more Grand Chapters, or in any subordinate Chap- 
ter under its own immediate jurisdiction ; and all that may be 
referred to it for its decision by any Grand Chapter, and its 
decision so made shall be regarded as the supreme tribunal of 
the Eastern Star in the last resort. 

"Sec. 4. It shall be the judge of the quahfications of its 
own members. 

"Sec. 5. It shall adopt and prescribe a uniform ritual of 
work, and formula for installation of its own officers, as well 
as the officers of Grand and subordinate Chapters. 

"Sec. 6. All amendments, alterations or additions to the 
ritual that shall be promulgated by this General Grand Chap- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 153 

ter must be submitted in writing at a stated meeting, when, if 
approved by a majority of the members present, shall lie over 
until the next stated meeting, when, if adopted by a two-thirds 
vote, shall become a part of the same." 

"article VII. 

"Sec. 2. The General Grand Chapter may levy such con- 
tributions as in its judgment shall be required, which shall 
always be uniform in proportion to membership, and which 
shall not exceed five cents per annum for each paying 
member." 

No tax has ever been levied by the General Grand Chapter 
upon any Grand Chapters, except that the five which were 

represented at its organization 
were requested to advance to 
it two and one-half cents for 
each member of its subordi- 
nates, the same to be applied 
on their dues, which they 
cheerfully did, the same ag- 
gregating $148.43- 

At the second meeting, held 

in Chicago, Illinois, May 8-10, 

1878, seven Grand Chapters 

were represented, and Past 

Grand Matrons of Connecticut 

and New York were present as visitors. Five Chapters had 

been organized, and five Macoy Chapters had exchanged their 

charters. 

The third meeting was also held in Chicago, August 20-2 1 , 
1880. Eleven Grand Chapters were represented, and visitors 
were present from fourteen States. Rob Morris, who was 
present, was made an honorary member, and his birthday, 
August 31, was made the festal day of the Order. Eleven 
Chapters had been organized, and one Macoy charter and two 
issued by the Grand Chapter of New York to Chapters in 
Maryland and Wyoming exchanged. Fourteen Chapters had 
been released to form two Grand Chapters. 

The fourth meeting was held in San Francisco, August 
17-23, 1883, when twelve Grand Chapters were represented. 




154 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Twenty-seven Chapters had been organized, and two Macoy 
charters exchanged. Five Chapters had been released to form 
a Grand Chapter. The withdrawal of the Grand Chapter of 
New Jersey from the General Grand Chapter in October, 1880, 
and its return in October, 1881, were reported. A committee 
was appointed on revision of ritual. 

The fifth meeting was held in St. Louis, Missouri, Septem- 
ber 23-25, 1886, ten Grand Chapters being represented. 
Twenty-nine Chapters had been organized, and one Macoy 
Chapter reorganized. Thirteen Chapters had been released to 
form a Grand Chapter. The Most Worthy Grand Patron 
reported that he had, in behalf of the General Grand Chapter, 
assumed jurisdiction over Mississippi, the Grand Chapter of 
that State having ceased to exist; and that recognition had 
been withdrawn from the Grand Chapter of Minnesota, on 
account of gross violations of law, and that a new Grand 
Chapter had been organized and recognized. This was a 
matter that provoked much controversy, extending over ten 
years, and occupied the attention of the General Grand Chap- 
ter at three of its meetings. The salient points of it are 
epitomized as follows: 

The address of the Most Worthy Grand Patron, in 1886, 
was largely taken up with a statement of the troubles, and his 
action in the premises, which attempted the abolition of the 
old Grand Chapter and the assumption of jurisdiction over 
the Order in that State and the subsequent organization of 
another Grand Chapter. The trouble doubtless had its origin 
in undue ambition for office and power, but its first official 
manifestation was in a criticism by the Grand Patron, in his 
address to the Grand Chapter in 1883, of the work as exem- 
plified in Minneapolis Chapter No. 9, which resulted in a 
declaration by the Grand Chapter that the work was not an 
infraction of the ritual, which was the only action in the mat- 
ter ever taken by the Grand Chapter. The following year 
the matter was presented by the Grand Matron in her address, 
but before action was taken, and before the election and other 
routine business had been disposed of, the Grand Chapter 
adjourned sine die. Then came an edict from the Grand 
Matron, dated March 30, 1885, suspending all the officers and 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 155 

members of Minneapolis Chapter from all the rights and priv- 
ileges of the Order until the next meeting of the Grand Chap- 
ter. The Grand Secretary being a member of No. 9, on April 
7 the Grand Matron issued a notice relieving her of the duties 
of that office and appointing another sister to fill the vacancy. 
Following this came a call for a special meeting of the Grand 
Chapter, which was held May 13, and at which all the acts of 
the Grand Matron were approved and a new corps of officers 
elected. At this stage the Most Worthy Grand Patron issued 
his edict, and, when the matter was presented to the General 
Grand Chapter, it took action as follows : 

''Resolved, That in his edict of withdrawal of recognition 
of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota the Most Worthy Grand 
Patron was justified by the exigencies of the case, and this 
General Grand Chapter confirms his action. 

"Resolved, That the Most Worthy Grand Patron be au- 
thorized to call a convention of all the Chapters in Minnesota 
claiming to work under the authority of both the so-called 
Grand Chapters of the State, and that he, in person or by 
deputy, proceed to that convention and organize a new Grand 
Chapter, consisting of all the Chapters willing to become 
members of this new Grand Chapter, and that no other body 
but the one thus organized be recognized by this General 
Grand Chapter." 

The newly elected Most Worthy Grand Patron issued a 
call as directed, but before the time fixed for the meeting he 
cancelled the same, and subsequently issued an edict requiring 
all Chapters to recognize the original Grand Chapter and re- 
storing recognition to the same as a constituent part of the 
General Grand Chapter. At the meeting of the General 
Grand Chapter in 1889 this action was confirmed, and all 
Chapters in the State were ordered to make report and pay 
dues to said Grand Chapter under penalty of forfeiture of all 
rights, and the Grand Chapter was ordered to receive such 
Chapters as made reports and paid dues into full membership, 
under penalty of a withdrawal of recognition of the Grand 
Chapter. The Grand Chapter failing to comply with the con- 
ditions, recognition was withdrawn April 14, 1891, and at the 
meeting of the General Grand Chapter in 1892 what was 



156 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

known as Grand Chapter No. 2 was recognized as the "own 
and only" Grand Chapter of Minnesota, and by the subsequent 
conservative action of the leading members of the Order in 
both divisions a consolidation of all the bodies under one head, 
and the recognition thereby of all Chapters and Past Grand 
officers, was effected May 10, 1894, since which time peace 
and harmony have prevailed. 

Among those present at the St. Louis meeting was Brother 
Morris, who read a poem as follows : 

"angelic visitors. 
"[Composed for the triennial assembly of the General 
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, St. Louis, Mo., 
September, 1886, and fraternally inscribed to Mrs. A. C. S. 
Engle, by Rob Morris, Poet Laureate.] 

"If to our world dear lost ones would descend 

If Ruth and Martha would in kindness bend, 

With Esther and Electa from the sky 

And sanctify our harmony and joy, 

I think while in these roseate bonds we meet, 
Our happiness this morning were complete. 

So hard is life, so anxious and unsure, 
So much there is to combat and endure, 
We need a greater than an earthly hope. 
To buoy our dull, despondent spirits up; 

Oh God, Thou fountain of all-perfect love, 

Send messengers of comfort from above. 

So shall this conclave of the Eastern Star, 

Be like the gatherings where the angels are; 

So shall one purpose occupy each heart 

And give full consolation ere we part; 
While every evil thought shall fade away 
And naught remain but one perpetual day." 

It was ordered that 

"The jewels of a Grand Chapter be the emblems within 
a star or a triangle, within a pentagon; and that the jewels of 
the General Grand Chapter be the emblems within a star or a 
triangle, within a circle." 

By the adoption of the revised ritual, in 1889, the jewels 
of the General Grand Chapter were made like those of a 
Grand Chapter, with the addition of an outward circle. 




hive sBHiHis gf. 



ENGLE SIGNET 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 157 

The sixth meeting was at Indianapolis, September 25-27, 
1889. Twelve Grand Chapters were represented, including 
two delegations from Minnesota, and one Subordinate Chap- 
ter. ' Twenty-eight Chapters had been organized, and twenty- 
seven had been released to organize four Grand Chapters. 
The Grand Chapter of Ontario having become dormant, the 
General Grand Chapter assumed jurisdiction over its territory 
August 8, 1889. New Jersey was reported as having again 
withdrawn from the General Grand Chapter, in which condi- 
tion it still remains. The death of Rob Morris having oc- 
curred July 31, 1888, and that of William M. Black, who had 
been Worthy Grand Sentinel from the organization of the 
General Grand Chapter, August 9, 1887, suitable action was 
taken relative thereto. The Most Worthy Grand Matron was 
made the executive head of the body, the business of granting 
charters and organizing Chapters still remaining in the hands 
of the Most Worthy Grand Patron. The committee on re- 
vision of ritual reported, and its report was adopted. 

The seventh meeting was held in Columbus, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 15-17, 1892, sixteen Grand Chapters and two subordinate 
Chapters being represented. Fifty-seven Chapters had been 
organized, while fifty-four Chapters under its jurisdiction had 
been released to organize six Grand Chapters. 

The eighth meeting was in Boston, Massachusetts, August 
29-30, 1895, when twenty- four Grand Chapters and nine 
subordinate Chapters were represented. Fifty-eight Chap- 
ters had been organized, while eighteen had been released to 
organize two Grand Chapters. The Right Worthy Grand 
Secretary reported having maintained a very successful East- 
ern Star corner at the World's Fair, which did much to bring 
the Order to the attention of Masons and their relatives. The 
Worthy Grand Conductress and Worthy Grand Associate 
Conductress were made elective officers, they having thereto- 
fore been appointive. 

The ninth meeting was in Washington, District of Colum- 
bia, September 27-30, 1898, when twenty-six Grand Chapters 
were represented, besides representatives of the Grand Chap- 
ters of Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, not members 
of the body, and a committee was appointed to confer with 



158 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

them, and subsequently it submitted a report opening up the 
way for their affiliation with the General Grand Chapter. 
Sixty-five Chapters had been organized, and eleven Chapters 
released to form two Grand Chapters. 

The tenth session was held in Detroit, Michigan, Septem- 
ber 24-27, 1901, thirty-one Grand and one subordinate Chap- 
ter being represented. Sixty- four Chapters had been organ- 
ized, eighty-seven Chapters had been released to organize 
seven Grand Chapters, while eight Chapters had surrendered 
their charters. The Grand Chapters of Connecticut and Ver- 
mont became constituent members of the General Grand Chap- 
ter. As to the position of the star, the report of the committee 
adopted by the body said: "The committee is aware 
that . . in the teachings of ancient mythology the five- 
pointed star with one point down was an emblem used to rep- 
resent the goat of Mendes — a god of lust — . . even if its 
significance was one of evil, it has been redeemed from the 
domain of Satan and converted into an emblem of good by its 
half century of use by this Order so beneficial to humanity." 
Jurisdiction was resumed over the Chapters in Nevada. 

The eleventh session was held in St. Louis, Mo., Septem- 
ber 19-21, 1904, thirty-nine Grand and one subordinate Chap- 
ter being represented. Fifty-nine Chapters had been organ- 
ized, seven in Nevada transferred from California, and one 
hundred fifteen had been released to form eight Grand Chap- 
ters, and one charter had been surrendered. A concordat was 
adopted by which jurisdiction over Great Britain, Ireland and 
the whole British dominions except those upon the continent 
of America was released to the Grand Chapter of Scotland. 
Five thousand seven hundred and forty-two dollars had been 
contributed by the Order, through the Right Worthy Grand 
Treasurer, toward the maintenance of Eastern Star headquar- 
ters in the Fraternity Building during the St. Louis Fair. 

The twelfth session was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
September 4-6, 1907, forty-three Grand and one subordinate 
Chapter being represented. Twenty-five Chapters had been 
organized, fifty-nine Chapters had been released to form 
seven Grand Chapters and two Chapters had surrendered 
their charters. A German version of the ritual (General 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 159 

Grand Chapter German) was adopted and ordered printed. 
The Most Worthy Grand Matron incorporated in her address 
an entirely new constitution, rules and regulations, which 
were, after amendment, adopted. The powers of the general 
body as defined therein gave it "exclusive sovereignty over the 
ritual and government of the Order," but the words *'and gov- 
ernment" were stricken out in 1910. Two thousand seven 
hundred and thirty-eight dollars were given towards the main- 
tenance of Eastern Star headquarters at the Lewis and Clark 
Exposition at Portland, Oregon, through the Right Worthy 
Grand Secretary. The Grand Chapter of Washington, which 
some years before had withdrawn from the general body, 
resumed its connection therewith. Order was taken to dis- 
continue the sale of rituals to the Grand Chapter of New Jer- 
sey, the proper colors for officers was declared to be purple 
for the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron, the point col- 
ors for the star officers, and the five colors for the other 
officers. 

The thirteenth assembly was held in Jacksonville, Florida, 
November 8-10, 1910, forty-five Grand and five subordinate 
Chapters being represented by two hundred and twelve mem- 
bers. Eighteen Chapters had been organized. 

Being the only person that has been a member of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter from its organization who has attended 
all of its meetings, and having had an intimate knowledge of 
its workings, I am, perhaps, as well able as anyone to speak of 
its great success, from many points of view. Consisting, as 
the Order did at the time of its organization, of but thirteen 
Grand Chapters (two of which had been organized the previ- 
ous month), with a membership of possibly thirteen thousand, 
in two hundred and seventy-five Chapters, how great is the 
contrast with its present flourishing condition, with its fifty 
Grand Bodies, seven thousand Chapters, and upwards of six 
hundred thousand members, and increasing at the rate of four 
hundred and twenty Chapters, and over forty-seven thousand 
members per annum. Truly, the General Grand Chapter has, 
by the test of its fruits, proven the wisdom of its projectors, 
and has placed the Order on a basis of permanency, harmony 
and prosperity that could not otherwise have been attained. 



160 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

But any sketch would be incomplete that did not mention the 
social reunions that its meetings afford, when sisters and 
brothers from one end of the land to the other clasp the cordial 
hand of friendship. The gatherings have been made most 
pleasant by the hospitalities that have been extended to its 
members by the Chapters where its meetings have been held, 
whether they have been in the beautiful summer land of Cali- 
fornia, under the eaves of Faneuil Hall, in sunny Florida, or 
within the shadow of the nation's capitol. 

Financially the General Grand Chapter has been a success, 
never having levied any tax upon the Grand Chapters other 
than the small contributions made by the Grand Chapters that 
organized it, to pay its initial expenses. 

In the thirty-four years of its existence four hundred and 
fifty-two Chapters have been organized, thirty-three Chapters 
have ceased to exist, and four hundred and nineteen have been 
released to form thirty-five Grand Chapters. 

Its receipts have been approximately: For charters, 
$7,607; dues, $14,863; merchandise, $112,976; other sources, 
$5,450; total, $140,896. Disbursements: Expenses, $73,735 ; 
merchandise, $42,495; other purposes, $1,413; total, $117,- 
643. Assets: Cash, $23,253; other assets, $5,385; total, 
$28,638. 

ALABAMA. 

The first Chapter organized under the General Grand 
Chapter was Charity at Burleson, March 31, 1891, and subse- 
quently fourteen others were chartered and the Grand Chapter 
was organized at Birmingham, March 6, 1901, Mrs. Hattie 
E. Ewing, Most Worthy Grand Matron, presiding, eight 
Chapters being represented. 

In 1 90 1 a committee was appointed to co-operate with the 
Grand Lodge in the establishment of a Home. In 1902 
thanks were given the Grand Lodge for its endorsing and 
commending the Order to Masons and their female relatives, 
and for the tender of the use of its temple for the meetings of 
the Grand Chapter. The use of ^ pass-word was made oblig- 
atory. The Grand Chapter was called off to attend the 
funeral of the Worthy Patron of the local Chapter. Public 
installations were held in 1902, 1903 and 1910. In 1906 




GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 161 

Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons were made ineligible to re- 
election, and a per capita tax of twenty-five cents per annum 
was levied for a Masonic Home fund. The festal day of the 
Order is quite generally observed 
with barbecues and picnics. The 
Grand Chapter was incorporated 
in 1907 and $500 was appropriat- 
ed to the Home fund. Chapters 
were prohibited from holding 
meetings on Sunday except for 
funeral purposes; the State was 
divided into districts, and it was 
ordered that the Bible be opened 
at the second chapter of St. Matthew. In 1908 the Past 
Grand Matrons were appointed a committee to select a team 
to serve for five years to exemplify the work before the Grand 
Chapter, their expenses to be paid by the Grand Chapter, but 
the action was reversed in 1909. A committee on work, with 
authority to prepare instructions on such parts of the work 
as are not set out or made clear in the ritual, was appointed. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $200. Receipts, 1911, includ- 
ing balance, $5,651; disbursements, $2,507; balance, $3,144. 

ARIZONA. 

The first Chapter chartered by the General Grand Chapter 
was Golden Rule, at Prescott, February 6, 1882, and subse- 
quently eleven other Chapters were organized, there being- 
eight live Chapters at the time of the organization of the 
Grand Chapter, November 15, 1900, the convention held at 
Phoenix, assembling in the reception room of the Commercial 
Hotel, five Chapters being represented. The members in- 
dulged in a banquet, in connection with the other Masonic 
Grand bodies, in the evening, and completed the organization 
by the installation of officers on the following day. 

In 1905 the territory was divided into districts, and it was 
ruled that the request for a waiver of jurisdiction from out- 
side the Grand Jurisdiction should pass through the hands of 
the Grand Matron and Grand Secretary. In 1906 each Chap- 
ter was directed to set apart one day in each year for giving 



162 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

an entertainment to raise funds for a charity fund for the 
erection of a Masonic and Eastern Star Home, and the follow- 
ing year a per capita tax of twenty-five cents was levied for 
that purpose. 

At every meeting of the Grand Chapter it has met with the 
most cordial attention from the Masonic fraternity, and the 
occasions have been most enjoyable. Receipts, including bal- 
ance, 1911, $2,468; disbursements, $692; balance, $1,776. 

ARKANSAS. 

The first Chapter in this State was Enola No. i, organized 
at Mt. Vernon in July, 1870. The Grand Chapter was organ- 
ized October 2, 1876, the convention assembling on the call of 
W. B. Massey, and held its first annual meeting at Searcy, 
November 8, following, six Chapters being represented. As 
the proceedings of this body for its earlier meetings have not 
been printed, particulars that would be of interest and valuable 
are not accessible, while its earlier printed proceedings are 
lacking in statistics. At the second meeting, in 1877, but four 
Chapters were represented; Past Matrons, Past Patrons and 
Past Associate Matrons were made members of the Grand 
Chapter for one year after their term of office had expired; 
the Grand Matron was made the executive head of the Grand 
Chapter; dues were fixed at ten cents per capita, but were 
raised to twenty cents in 1882 and to twenty-five cents in 
1886. 

At the third meeting there were but four Chapters repre- 
sented. 

In 1879 a Grand Orator was elected, whose duty it was to 
deliver an address at the installation of the Grand officers at 
each annual communication, on the objects of the Order. In 
1880 allegiance was acknowledged to the General Grand Chap- 
ter and its ritual adopted; a committee was appointed to visit 
the Grand Lodge and lay the claims of the Order before it, 
and ask it to recognize the Order ; and an edict was issued for- 
bidding any member of the Order conferring the degrees in 
any other way than in the manner prescribed by the constitu- 
tion. In 1886 the State was divided into districts, and a 
Deputy Grand Matron and a Deputy Grand Patron appointed 
for each, which practice still prevails, and in 1891 district 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 163 

schools of instruction were inaugurated. In 1889 a brother 
was suspended b}^ the Grand Chapter for conferring the de- 
grees in an illegal manner, and in 1892 the Grand Chapter, by- 
special invitation, attended the dedication of the Masonic 
Temple in Little Rock. In 1898 the use of the Grand Lodge 
hall was, by resolution of the Grand Lodge, tendered to the 
Grand Chapter at such times as the Grand Lodge does not 
require it. 

The organizing officer is allowed five dollars of the fee 
for dispensation for each Chapter organized. In 1904 steps 
were taken looking to the erection of a Home, and asking the 
co-operation of the Grand Lodge, and the annual per capita 
tax was increased to fifty cents, one-half to go to the Home 
fund, since which time the Grand Chapter has contributed 
about $7,500 to the Home fund and a beautiful Home has 
been erected on a plat of one hundred acres near Batesville, 
in the dedication of which the Grand Chapter participated in 
1909. In 1906 the True Kindred degree was communicated 
to the members of the Grand Chapter en masse. In 1908 
Mrs. Josie Frazer Cappleman was elected Poetess Laureate 
of the Grand Chapter. 

In 1910 a sister eighty-three years old, and who was 
obliged to walk three miles to attend her Chapter, and who 
had missed but three meetings in four years, was honored by 
an introduction to the Grand Chapter. 

The practice prevails of the Grand Matron granting many 
dispensations authorizing the reception of and action upon 
petitions for the degrees at called meetings and waiving the 
law in regard to the ballot. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $500. Receipts, including bal- 
ance, $8,679; disbursements, $5,057; balance, $3,622. 

CALIFORNIA. 

The degree was first conferred in this State in San Fran- 
cisco, in April, i860. The first Chapter organized was 
Golden Gate No. i, San Francisco, May 10, 1869. The 
Grand Chapter was organized in San Francisco, April 9, 
1873, by representatives of seven of the ten Chapters then 
organized in the State. Of these ten Chapters six still sur- 



.64 



GRAISTD CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



vive. A constitution was adopted which did not provide for 
Grand officers at the points of the star, but these were added 
in October, 1873. In addition to the three principal officers, 
and Past Matrons and Past Patrons, each Chapter was given 
an additional representative for each twent3^-five members, and 
one for each fraction of twent3^-five more than seventeen, but 
the additional representation w^as abolished in 1875. The 
Grand Patron was made the presiding officer and executive 
head of the Grand Chapter, and after the agitation for a 
change in the law continuing at almost every session, in 1909 
a compromise measure was adopted dividing the duties and 
the honors. On this subject a committee in 1886 said: 

''The labor of presiding over the deliberations of the 
Grand Chapter for several da3'S in succession is very onerous, 
and can better be endured by a brother than a sister, as a gen- 
eral proposition, admitting the qualification of each, mentally, 
are alike. . . . Notwithstanding the Grand Matron may 
preside in most, or even in all, other Grand Jurisdictions. 
The Grand Chapter of California has not indulged very 
largely in the practice of going to other Jurisdictions to learn 
how to conduct her own affairs." 

At the meetino- for organization a committee was ap- 
pointed to prepare a ritual, 
which was adopted and pub- 
lished. (California Ritual.) 
In 1875 a committee was 
appointed ''to revise the rit- 
ual, and abbreviate the cere- 
monies of initiation so far 
as it can be done without 
impairing the sense or value 
of the same, and that the 
responses for the points 
found in the New York rit- 
ual (Adoptive Rite Revised) 
be adopted by subordinate Chapters." 

This committee reported in 1877, the report being adopted 
and the ritual published. (California Revised.) 




GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 165 

The Grand Chapter was represented at the organization of 
the General Grand Chapter, but in 1877 it was 

"Resolved, That the Grand Chapter of Cahfornia will not 
recognize any authority in the General Grand Chapter until it 
puts forth the form of ritual that it may adopt, and the Grand 
Chapter of California have time for the examination thereof, 
and that the members of the General Grand Chapter who are 
members of this Grand Chapter are not to feel themselves at 
liberty to pledge this Grand Chapter in any respect." 

It was also ruled "That it would be in order for our Grand 
Chapter to grant a dispensation for the formation of a Chap- 
ter in any adjacent State or Territory where there is no Grand 
Chapter." 

In 1878 ''All resolutions, motions and orders passed by 
this Grand Chapter relating to the adoption of ritual, and the 
form thereof to be used in this Jurisdiction," were rescinded, 
and the General Grand Chapter ritual adopted. 

In 1873 ''3- pass-word system" was adopted and continued 
in force until 1878. 

In 1882 the State was divided into districts, with a Deputy 
Grand Matron for each, and this has continued to the present. 
The printed proceedings for all these years contain specific and 
interesting reports from the District Deputies, giving informa- 
tion in regard to the condition of each Chapter. In 1898, 
however, the operation of the law was suspended for a year 
and a system of schools of instruction under the direction of 
the Grand Matron was substituted, and was so successful that 
it was continued in 1899. 

A Grand Chapter of Sorrow was held in 1880, when 
Abbie E. Wood (Krebs) delivered a memorial address; and 
in 1888 a like service was held by the Chapters of San Fran- 
cisco in memory of Rob Morris, the Grand Chapter attending 
the same. 

The Grand Chapter most royally entertained the General 
Grand Chapter in 1883 at an expense of $1,465.68. 

At the request of some of the Chapters in Nevada work- 
ing under charters from the General Grand Chapter, they 
were transferred to the jurisdiction of California, the popula- 
tion of Nevada being so sparse at that time that there seemed 



166 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

no probability of a Grand Chapter being organized in that 
State; and the Grand Chapter of CaHfornia, erroneously 
deeming this a waiver over the territory, subsequently organ- 
ized five Chapters in Nevada. But the General Grand Chapter 
in 1901 reassumed jurisdiction thereover. 

In 1888 it was 

"Resolvedj That while we recognize the lamented Rob 
Morris as the author and founder of the Order, we recognize 
Brother Robert Macoy as the master builder, who system- 
atized the work of the Order, and through whose instrumental- 
ity the Order has assumed its present grand proportions ; and 
that we are proud to hail Brother Macoy as the Patriarch of 
the Order, and hope that his useful life may be spared many 
years to adorn and dignify the Order of the Eastern Star." 

In the matter of other degrees the Grand Chapter 

''Resolved, That it is the sense of this Grand Chapter that 
it is not conducive to the upbuilding of our Order, and op- 
posed to the well established rules, regulations and edicts of 
this Fraternity, that any of the so-called side degrees not pre- 
scribed by the ritual of our Order be conferred by our Chap- 
ters as such, at any time, or in the Chapter room during the 
evenings of our meetings, or under the auspices or countenance 
of our Fraternity, but that it is the sense of this Chapter that 
all entertainments of an exclusively social nature be reserved 
for a time subsequent to the close of the Chapters, to the end 
that matters of a fraternal nature be not rendered secondary 
to social festivities." 

In 1898 the Grand Patron issued a warning to members 
of the Order against recognizing the Amaranth degree, as 
connected with the Order, in which he said : 

''Robert Macoy wrote the degree of the Queen of the 
South and the Amaranth, and conferred the same on many 
persons during his lifetime, but said Macoy was not a member 
of an Eastern Star Chapter for several years before his death, 
nor was he a member when he wrote this degree. . . . The 
Macoy ritual can be purchased by any one desiring it at any 
of the large book stores, and is used exclusively by the colored 
Chapters, they working all the degrees as written by Macoy." 

The Grand Patron was in error. Brother Macoy was, at 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 167 

the time of his death, a member of Wyona Chapter No. yj, of 
Brooklyn, and the funeral ceremonies of the Order were con- 
ducted by that Chapter at his burial. The Queen of the South 
was, like the Eastern Star, adapted by Brother Morris from a 
form that had been in use before his day, and, as with the 
Eastern Star, Brother Macoy revised the Morris form of con- 
ferring it, but his ritual was first published in 1876, when he 
was certainly an active member of the Order. 

In reporting upon this, the committee to which was re- 
ferred that portion of the Grand Patron's address said : 

"The Court of the Amaranth may be, and no doubt is, a 
good thing of itself, and worthy of countenance when per- 
mitted to stand alone on its merits ; and we see no harm in 
making a prerequisite to joining it that the applicant be a 
member in good standing in the Order of the Eastern Star. 
. . . Any order of a social nature which requires advertising 
and bolstering up by building on the foundation and strength 
of another Order of known beauty and merit should be viewed 
with suspicion and held at arm's length. Let it flourish or de- 
cline upon its own merits alone, imaided by borrowing from, 
or preying upon, kindred Orders, and then only will it free 
itself from unkind remarks or well-deserved censure." 

The bills presented for the expenses of the trial of a 
Matron aggregating $886.95, the Grand Chapter ordered that 
''Hereafter, when the members of a Chapter desire to prefer 
charges against the Worthy Patron or Worthy Matron, they 
shall deposit with the Grand Patron or Grand Matron a suffi- 
cient sum to cover the expenses of a trial, before the commis- 
sion is appointed." 

By a unanimous vote the following proviso was added to 
the section of the constitution relative to the membership of 
the Grand Chapter: "There is hereby created the title of 
Venerable Past Grand Patron, with all the rights and privi- 
leges of membership, to be conferred upon our beloved 
brother, William S. Moses, of Golden Gate Chapter No. i, in 
view of the fact that he was the first Deputy Grand Patron, 
and as such organized the first Chapters in this State." 

In 1 90 1 memorial tiles were placed in the Masonic Home 

commemorating George J. Hobe, the first Grand Patron, and 



168 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Maria Anderson, the first Grand Matron, and some $1,546 
was contributed by the Chapters for the rehef of sufferers 
from the Galveston flood. One hundred dollars annually was 
appropriated for a present to the retiring Grand Matron, who 
was to be consulted in the selection thereof. 

In 1903 regalia for the Grand officers, consisting of silver 
jewels and collars, was purchased at a cost of $270. Sixteen 
thousand six hundred and seventy-three dollars and three 
cents was contributed for the relief of sufferers from the 
earthquake of 1906 — some six thousand dollars from the 
Order in the State, the balance from other Jurisdictions; but 
five thousand dollars of this sum was not expended and was 
returned to the donors pro rata. 

In 1906 $400 per annum was voted for a Home musical 
fund, and in 1907 $50 per annum was appropriated for a jewel 
to the retiring Grand Patron, and in 1908 a fine of five dollars 
was imposed for loss of a ritual or secret work. 

In 1909 drill corps were organized in San Francisco and 
Los Angeles, under direction of the Committee on Ritual, to 
give model exemplifications of the work. 

In 1 911 the Grand Chapter solicited its subordinates to 
pay a sum equal to fifty cents per capita on their membership 
toward a fund to erect and maintain buildings at the Panama 
Exposition, one-third to be expended at San Diego and two- 
thirds at San Francisco. The Australian ballot system was 
also adopted, and fifteen cents was added to the per capita tax 
for a representative fund. 

Grand Secretaiy's salary, $1,800; Assistant, $1,200; rent, 
$600. Receipts, including balance, 1911, $31,162; disburse- 
ments, $16,796; balance, $14,336. 

COLORADO. 

Chapters were chartered by Brother Macoy at Black Hawk 
and Silver Cliff about 1877, but neither of them survived. 
The first Chapter chartered by the General Grand Chapter was 
Trinidad No. i, at Trinidad, January 7, 1881. The conven- 
tion to organize the Grand Chapter was called by Romona 
No. II, of Colorado Springs, and met at Colorado Springs 
June 6, 1892, when ten of the thirteen Chapters in the State 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



169 




were represented by thirty-four representatives and past offi- 
cers. Instead of completing the work of organization in one 
day, as most of such conventions have done, it continued in 
session three days, but those who have visited Colorado 
Springs, and know of the sights that may be seen there, need 
not be told the reason. The Chapter at Leadville presented 
the Grand Chapter fifty dollars toward paying the expenses 
of organization; Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made 
permanent members of the 
Grand Chapter, and the Grand 
Matron its executive head ; 
per capita dues were fixed at 
twenty-five cents per annum. 
The Floral Work was ren- 
dered before the Grand Chap- 
ter for the first time in 1893. 
The word "session" was 
adopted to designate the meet- 
ings of both Grand and subor- 
dinate Chapters. 

In 1897 Union Lodge No. 7 extended greetings to the two 
Chapters in Denver, as follows : 

"Resolved, That these relatives of our Masonic brothers 
are deserving of the fraternal regard, endorsement and sym- 
pathy of this lodge, and that the same is hereby extended to 
them, with our good will and earnest desire for their welfare 
and prosperity." 

In 1 901 the contributions for the relief of sufferers from 
the Galveston flood amounted to $253, and ten per cent of the 
annual receipts were appropriated to a benevolent fund, and 
in 1902 $236 was given towards the Eastern Star entertain- 
ment at the St. Louis World's Fair. Twice the Grand Chap- 
ter has been called together in special session to attend the 
funerals of Grand and Past Grand officers, and the Memorial 
Service has been rendered for them at the regular meetings. 
During the meeting of the G. A. R. in Denver open house was 
kept for members of the Order, and some eight hundred vis- 
itors registered. On two different occasions the Grand Chap- 
ter has initiated candidates at the request of subordinate 



170 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Chapters. In 1906 the fee for dispensation was raised from 
ten to twenty-five dollars, and $403 was contributed to the 
San Francisco earthquake fund. An Eastern Star relief 
board was organized in Denver in 1907. 

In her address in 1907 the Grand Matron stated in regard 
to the General Grand Chapter setting forth a German ritual : 
'This is the first time in the history of the Order that the 
ritual has been given in any other than the English language," 
which only shows that, like many Grand officers who ought to 
try to make themselves familiar with the history of the Order, 
especially before trying to give others light, she was ignorant 
of the fact that a German ritual was set forth by the Grand 
Chapter of New York in 1898, as mentioned in the first edi- 
tion of this history. 

In 191 o the receipts, including balance, were $7,897, and 
the disbursements $2,448; balance, $5,449.38. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The first Chapter organized was Orient, Bridgeport, April 
22, 1869. The convention to organize the Grand Chapter was 
called by Chauncey M. Hatch, who had served as deputy for 
Brother Macoy, and who had been the active agent in the 
organization of all the Chapters in the State, and met in New 

Haven, August 11, 1874, when 

Kl^'t...«^"-^,ijl^ eleven of the twelve Chapters were 

^••^ ^.^.•••••••v^.^^^J^ represented. The Grand Patron 

^/^/\f5^\|//,^^5v^*3^ was made the executive head of 
'V/.^/ ^\>^i!>^/^ \-a\>r the Grand Chapter, but this was 

changed in 1876 by placing the au- 
^'"^^i^\^ I ^^<*^^^ thority in the hands of the Grand 
'^S'\^m§^ Matron. Grand Chapter dues were 

u\ -c.''',.. (Vi -...•! *yA fixed at fifty cents for each mem- 
ber admitted during the year, with 
no per capita dues, but in 1878 
dues were levied of two and one-half cents per capita, which 
was increased in 1880 to five cents, and to ten cents in 1899, 
and later to twenty cents. 

In 1878 Rob Morris's birthday was "set apart as a day of 
recreation and social greetings by the members of the Order 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 171 

in this State," and commencing in 1886, an annual picnic of all 
the Chapters has been held, usually at some convenient sea- 
side resort. 

In 1889 the Chapter of Sorrow by Addie C. S. Engle was 
adopted, the committee reporting that "after careful examina- 
tion we found nothing we would wish erased, and could think 
of nothing we could add to improve it." 

In 1898 a monument to the first Grand Patron, erected by 
contributions from the Chapters, was unveiled by the Grand 
Matron. 

In 1876 the Grand Chapter decided that "the present con- 
dition of our finances is such that we should be unable to bear 
our proportion of the legitimate expense attendant upon the 
formation of a Supreme Grand Chapter," and there the mat- 
ter rested until 1897, when a committee was appointed to visit 
the General Grand Chapter, in 1898, which made its report in 
1899, recommending affiliation therewith, but the matter was 
at that time indefinitely postponed, but was/ taken up in 1900 
and the recommendation of the committee concurred in. 

In the matter of ritual, in October, 1874, "A Committee on 
Uniformity of Work was appointed to prepare a system of 
work and ritual," which reported at a special session, held 
February i, 1875, the ritual as ordinarily practiced (Adoptive 
Rite), with some additions taken from the ancient ritual (Mo- 
saic), which was adopted, and is known as the Connecticut 
Addenda. Excelsior Chapter, of New Haven, also exempli- 
fied portions of the dramatized work (Mosaic), and it was 
ordered that "Chapters in this Jurisdiction are permitted to 
dramatize such portions of the work as they may choose, pro- 
vided the same be in accordance with the text and ceremonies 
as exemplified at this time," and Short Specimen Dramas were 
printed by the Grand Chapter for the use of Chapters desiring 
to avail themselves of the permission. 

In her address in 1876 the Grand Matron said: "In the 
brief time that the Chapter at Meriden has been in existence 
it has used three varieties of rituals, and I have just seen a 
fourth, the revised work recently adopted by the Grand Chap- 
ter of New York (Macoy's Ritual). . . . This Grand body 
adopted a ritual — sending for more copies, we are informed 



172 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

they are not in print, thus forcing us to adopt the new one for 
any new Chapters we may form." 

In 1877 it was ''Resolved, That uniformity of ritual in the 
various Jurisdictions is desirable, and we will place no obstacle 
in the way of securing that end by the General Grand Chap- 
ter." 

In 1878 the General Grand Chapter ritual was adopted, 
and the Grand Chapter recognized "the General Grand Chap- 
ter as a sister body, and will co-operate with it in such matters 
as in our judgment will advance the interests of the whole 
Order." 

In 1890 it was "Resolved, That the ritual of the General 
Grand Chapter (General Grand Chapter Revised) be adopted 
as the ritual of this Grand Jurisdiction." 

Contributions were made of $128 to the Eastern Star 
headquarters at the St. Louis Fair and $712 for California 
earthquake relief. The Sunday nearest June 12 is set apart 
as Decoration Day, while the Order unites with the Grand 
Lodge in celebrating Grand Master's Day at the Masonic 
Home. Concerning the Order's work for the Home the 
Grand Master in 1910 said: 'Tt would be impossible for me 
to tell of all the good things which the Order is doing. It is 
a most worthy adjunct to our Connecticut Masonry, and its 
work is most certainly deeply and heartily appreciated." 

This Grand Chapter has what is coming to be unusual, a 
Grand Lecturer, and the office is filled by a brother. There is 
also a live Past Grand Matrons' and Past Grand Patrons' 
Association, which holds an annual reunion. 

All Past Matrons and Past Patrons are members of the 
Grand Chapter, and 213 of them attended the session in 19 10, 
while the representatives present numbered 152. The Grand 
Secretary's salary is $200, and the receipts, including balance, 
in 1910, were $2,192; disbursements, $1,185; balance, $1,006. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The first Chapter chartered by the General Grand Chapter 
was Ruth No. i, at Brightwood, July 16, 1892. The call for 
the convention that organized the Grand Chapter was issued 
by the Most Worthy Grand Patron, and it met in the Scottish 
Rite Cathedral, Washington, April 30, 1896, and was pre- 



GRAND CHAPTER mSTORIES. 173 

sided over by Elmira Foley, Past Most Worthy Grand Ma- 
tron, this being the third Grand Chapter which she had assisted 
in organizing. All the six Chapters were represented. The 
constitution adopted provided for two stated sessions each 
year, the annual session in January and the second in June; 
Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made permanent mem- 
bers of the Grand Chapter; the Grand Matron was made the 
executive head, and all the Grand officers were made elective 
by ballot, but in 1901 the point officers and Grand Organist 
were made appointive. 

During 1896-7 the Matrons of the Chapters held monthly 
meetings to devise means for aiding the destitute. A commit- 
tee appointed to assist in the National Masonic Fair, in 1897, 
succeeded in raising $1,435.96. 

The Matrons, Patrons and past officers of the Chapters 
formed a Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Association for the pur- 
pose of securing from each member 10 cents per month to be 
distributed through the Red Cross Society for the benefit of 
sick and wounded United States soldiers and sailors in the 
Spanish-American war. 

In 1898 the secret work was called in, and a form was also 
adopted for an annual official visit by the grand officers and 
the inspection of the records and work of each Chapter in the 
jurisdiction. 

The entertainment of the General Grand Chapter, in 1898, 
was most successfully accomplished at a cost of $1,105.95. 
The Grand Chapter has a committee on work, which reports 
as to the proper manner of rendering the work, even to the 
m.inutest details, as, e. g., as to which arm of the Marshal the 
different officers shall take at installation. 

In 1902 a law was adopted establishing an Eastern Star 
Home and levying an annual per capita tax of 25 cents for its 
support, but in 1910 this tax was abolished and voluntary con- 
tributions substituted; $175 was contributed for the relief of 
the Galveston flood sufferers; 1,600 volumes of reading matter 
were sent to our soldiers in China, and the charter of a Chap- 
ter was arrested because it neglected to prosecute those of its 
members who belonged to the White Shrine of Jerusalem. In 
1903 a fair netted $1,177, a"<i i^ 19^5 another yielded $12,499. 



174 GRAND CHAPTEE HISTORIES. 

Trials in this jurisdiction are conducted by a trial commission 
apponted by the Grand Chapter. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $200. Receipts for 1910, in- 
cluding balance, $5,318; disbursements, $2,610; balance, 
$2,708. 

FLORIDA. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Jacksonville in Jan- 
uary, 1873, and it was active for a few years. On March 12, 
1875, the Grand Patron of Mississippi issued an official docu- 
ment, in which he said : 

"I assume the responsibility of withdrawing any further 
recognition of the Supreme Grand Chapter, and in the name 
and behalf of the Grand Chapter of Mississippi assume juris- 
diction of all unoccupied territory equidistant to other State 
Grand Chapters. We will take care of the Chapter at Jack- 
sonville until Florida shall have a State Grand Chapter of its 
own." 

On April 22, 1876, a charter was issued by the Grand 
Chapter of Mississippi for Esther Chapter No. 37, at Cedar 
Creek. 

The General Grand Chapter chartered Evergreen Chap- 
ter No. 2, at Tampa, June 18, 1880, and later Magnolia Chap- 
ter No. 3, at Palatka, but neither of them survived, so that 
when a petition was received from Green Cove Springs a char- 
ter was issued, December 24, 1889, to Electa Chapter, and it 
was given the number i. Subsequently charters were granted 
by that body to sixteen other Chapters, the first four of which 
ceased to exist before the organization of the Grand Chapter, 
which took place at Sanford June 7, 1904, eleven of the thir- 
teen active Chapters being represented. Mrs. Laura B. Hart, 
Most Worthy Grand Matron, presided. Two of the appointed 
officers were installed by proxy. The Grand Chapter dues 
were fixed at 25 cents, but were raised to 50 cents in 1905. 

In 1 910 the last Sunday in November was set apart as 
Memorial Day, and the General Grand Chapter was enter- 
tained at an expense of $845. The ceremony of draping the 
altar (Memorial Service No. 2) was used in memory of Past 
Grand Matron Orpha D. Bruce. The Grand Commanderv, 
then in session, sent greetings by a committee, which was ad- 
mitted to the Grand Chapter, and the Grand Royal Arch Chap- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 175 

ter attended a reception given after the close of the Grand 
Chapter. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $ioo. Receipts, 1910, $3,097; 
disbursements, $1,831 ; balance, $1,266. 

GEORGIA. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Covington in De- 
cember, 1875. The first Chapter chartered by the General 
Grand Chapter was at Lithonia, but that Chapter and the next 
four chartered ceased to exist before the Grand Chapter was 
organized at Brunswick, February 20, 1901, Electa No. 6, 
Atlanta, being the senior of the nine Chapters that were active 
at that time. Hattie E. Ewing, Most Worthy Grand Matron, 
presided at the convention as the deputy of the Most Worthy 
Grand Patron. It was voted that $10 of the charter fee be 
paid the organizing officer and that the Chapter pay his travel- 
ing expenses, the fee being fixed at $25, which was raised to 
$30 in 1906, one-half to go to the organizing officer. Colors 
for the regalia of the offices differing from those prescribed 
by the General Grand Chapter were adopted in 1909. In 191 1 
printed ballots were allowed in the election of grand officers. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $120. Receipts, 1911, including 
balance, $2,179; disbursements, $782; balance, $1,397. 

IDAHO. 

The first Chapter was at Mt. Idaho, chartered May 21, 
1880, but it soon became dormant. Hugh Duncan No. 2, at 
Salmon City, chartered March 18, 1886, and sixteen of the 
twenty other Chapters organized by the General Grand Chap- 
ter survived when the Grand Chapter was organized at Weiser 
June 19, 1902. Laura B. Hart, Most Worthy Grand Matron, 
presided. The Grand Matron was clothed with all executive 
authority, including organizing Chapters, the Grand Patron 
being simply an advisory officer, but in 1908 he was given 
power to organize Chapters. The charter fee was fixed at $30, 
and annual dues at 50 cents per capita. An officer of a sub- 
ordinate Chapter failing to attend four consecutive meetings 
without satisfactory excuse could be deprived of office and of 
any honors arising therefrom. Forty-seven dollars was con- 
tributed to the Portland Fair fund and $255 to the California 
earthquake sufferers. In 1908, on invitation of the Grand 



176 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Lodge, the Grand Chapter participated in the ceremonies of 
laying the cornerstone of the City Hall of Coeur d'Alene. The 
State was divided into three districts in 1908 and Deputies ap- 
pointed for two of them, the Grand Matron reserving the 
other for herself, but the districts were abolished in 1909. The 
Memorial Service of Addie C. S. Engle was adopted for use 
in subordinate Chapters in 19 10 and the annual per capita tax 
was raised to 75 cents. 

Grand Secretary's sa.l3.ry, $350. Receipts, 191 1, including 
balance, $2,572; disbursements, $1,419; balance, $1,053. 

ILLINOIS. 

The first Chapter in the State was Miriam No. i, Chicago, 
which was organized March 4, 1869. It had previously ex- 
isted as a family, having been organized as such October 6, 
1866, but subsequently it adopted the Tatem ritual. The con- 
vention to organize the Grand Chapter was called by Frank- 
Hudson, Jr., "Deputy Grand Patron," and met in the Com- 
mercial Hotel, Chicago, October 6, 1875, the ninth anniversary 
of the organization of Miriam Family. Twenty-two of the 
181 Chapters that had been organized in the State, principally 
by Harmon G. Reynolds, Macoy's deputy, were represented. 
Of these 181 chapters, only twenty have maintained an unin- 
terrupted existence; twenty have been reorganized, some of 
which have died; and twenty-eight others have had an inter- 
mittent existence; making sixty-eight that have had a place 
on the Grand Chapter roll, thirty-eight of which are still there. 
Rob Morris presided at the convention, which met at 7:30 
o'clock in the evening and closed the same night, having 
adopted a constitution, organized the Grand Chapter and 
elected officers. The Grand Patron was made the presiding 
officer, but the law was changed in 1877, so that the Grand 
Matron was made the executive head. 

The Grand Chapter was represented at the organization 
of the General Grand Chapter, and that body was recognized 
in 1877. 

In 1879 the Grand Matron reported: 

"Memory Earnest Leake, born September 20, 1874, the 
orphan boy whose mother and father died of that fearful dis- 
ease, yellow fever, now resides with an aunt at Tupelo, Missis- 
sippi. One hundred dollars, given him from the relief fund 



GRAND CHAPTER fflSTORIES. 177 

sent by the Eastern Star Chapters of Chicago, is invested and 
will be kept as a legacy for him until his educational require- 
ments become a necessity and he is old enough to understand 
the circumstances relative to its donation." 

We took the trouble to ascertain what this donation helped 
to do for Memory Earnest, who is now brother, Leake. He 
obtained a good English education, and also a legal one, and 
became a practicing attorney at Tupelo, Mississippi, a deacon 
in the Baptist church and a useful and honorable citizen. Of 
the many acts of true charity performed by the subordinate 
Chapters, few find record in the permanent annals of the Or- 
der, and fewer still can be traced, in their results, as this one 
can be, yet the Memory of many such Earnest labors is cher- 
ished in loving hearts, although the facts may not Leake out 
to the knowledge of the world, or to that of the members of 
the Order generally. 

Rob Morris was a visitor in 1883 and installed the Grand 
Officers, and again in 1884, and delivered an address. 

In 1888 the State was divided into districts and a Deputy 
Grand Matron appointed for each, and the system was con- 
tinued until 1893, when schools of instruction, under the di- 
rection of the Grand Matron and with the co-operation of the 
Grand Lecturer, were substituted, and they seem to have been 
very successful. 

Services in memory of Rob Morris were held by the Chi- 
cago Chapters October 2, 1888, which were attended by the 
Grand Chapter. Sopha C. Scott, during whose three years as 
Grand Matron the number of active Chapters increased from 
sixty-three to 128, was presented by friends with a diamond- 
studded Past Grand Matron's jewel. In 1895 the retiring 
Grand Matron was presented with a diamond ring, and each of 
her successors has been similarly remembered. On several oc- 
casions the Floral Work has been exemplified before the Grand 
Chapter, the doors being open for the admission of non-mem- 
bers; and the Amaranth Degree was exemplified in 1893, the 
Memorial Service in 1903 and 1906, and the Mystic Tie in 
1907. 

An appropriation of $250 was made toward maintaining 
Eastern Star headquarters at the World's Fair, which resulted 



178 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

in a very successful Eastern Star corner, under the manage- 
nient of Lorraine J. Pitkin, Right Worthy Grand Secretary. 

In 1893 the Associate Matrons were deprived of member- 
ship in Grand Chapter. In 1895 the Chapters at Champaign 
and Urbana furnished a room in the hospital at the former 
place. 

The silver anniversary of the Grand Chapter was cele- 
brated October 4, 1899, with appropriate ceremonies, ad- 
dresses being delivered by several distinguished speakers, and 
Lorraine J. Pitkin prepared a historical sketch. 

Over seven hundred dollars was contributed toward the 
Fraternity Building at the St. Louis fair; $200 was voted for 
charity in 1903, and nearly one thousand dollars for the relief 
of California earthquake sufferers. 

There is a Board of Grand Examiners, who instruct and 
examine a large corps of District Lecturers, and in 1909 the 
Grand Chapter adopted as the standard "the ritualistic work 
as formulated by the Board," but it is inferred that this relates 
solely to the floor work. But seven typewritten copies were 
to be made and securely cared for. The charter fee is $50 in 
cities of over 10,000 inhabitants, and $25 in smaller places. 

A perusal of the proceedings must impress one with the 
great interest taken in the Home. The Grand Matron is paid 
$600; the Grand Patron, $200; the Grand Treasurer, $300, 
and the Grand Secretary, $1,500. The receipts in 1910 were, 
including balance, $32,475; disbursements, $19,164; balance, 
$13,310; invested funds, $10,500; total assets, $23,810. 

INDIANA. 

Rob Morris first communicated the degree in this State in 
New Albany in 1852 and subsequently he communicated it on 
upwards of two hundred occasions. A Grand Lodge of Adop- 
tive Masonry was organized at Elkhart January 2y, 1869, ^7 
representatives of five Lodges working the Tatem ritual, the 
organization being patterned closely after that of Alichigan. 
A second meeting was held in October, 1869, which closed to 
meet the following October, but it failed to meet again, and the 
Lodges composing it soon ceased to exist. 

Brother Macoy chartered the first Chapter at State Line 
City in January, 1870, and subsequently twenty-five other 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



179 




Chapters. But fifteen Chapters, however, survived at the time 
of the organization of the Grand Chapter, at Anderson, May 
6, 1874, when Rev. John Leach, "Deputy Supreme Patron," 
presided, ten Chapters being rep- 
resented. The constitution adopt- 
ed made the Grand Patron the ex- 
ecutive head and fixed the per cap- 
ita dues at 25 cents per annum. It 
did not make Past Matrons or 
Past Patrons members of the 
Grand Chapter, nor provide for 
Grand Officers at the points of the 
star. Sisters only were allowed to 
vote in subordinate Chapters, al- 
though brethren enjoyed the franchise in the Grand Chapter 
(see page 36), but they were given the right to vote in Chap- 
ters in 1877, when, also, the Grand Matron was made the 
executive head of the Grand Chapter, this being the first Grand 
Chapter to make such a change. Grand Officers were also 
added at the points of the star. In 1879 the Grand Chapter 
voted not to publish in its proceedings so much of the Grand 
Matron's address as referred ''to Brother Robert Macoy and 
his ritual," as it was "not proper matter to be spread upon the 
records," after which the Grand Matron refused to furnish 
any part of it for publication, but she subsequently published 
it in pamphlet form, with explanatory remarks. As the writer 
was at the time Grand Patron, and the object of some of the 
shafts of the Grand Matron, he will not discuss the matter, 
but will quote the opinion of Brother Thomas M. Lamb, the 
Correspondent of Massachusetts : 

"We think it would have been better had the Grand Chap- 
ter published the whole address, accompanied by exposition 
of the fallacies contained in the objectionable part. Its falla- 
cies were quite obvious to the Grand Chapter, and would be 
no less so to the Order, when made familiar with the facts. 
The sister is a good writer, . . . yet we find in the ad- 
dress nothing new bearing upon the controversy which Mr. 
Macoy has very unwisely provoked between himself and the 
Order." 



180 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

The Grand Chapter located at Indianapolis in 1879, and 
has held all its subsequent meetings in that city, except in 
1899, when it met in Fort Wayne, at which was celebrated the 
twenty-fifth anniversary in a suitable manner. In 1881 Jen- 
nie B. Phelps was elected Grand Matron, but declined the 
honor. Chapters contributed $67.50, through the Grand 
Lodge Officers, for the relief of sufferers from floods on the 
Ohio river ; $690 for the relief of the Galveston flood suffer- 
ers, and $230 to the St. Louis Fraternal Building. In her ad- 
dress the Grand Matron spoke of a labor of love undertaken 
by her home Chapter: 

"We have now in hand a work which I am sure will meet 
the approbation of every mother — that of caring for a little 
boy, the son of a Master Mason. The little fellow is receiv- 
ing treatment for paralysis at the Surgical Institute. He was 
brought here nearly a year ago by his father, who, after keep- 
ing him here six months, felt that he must take him home, for 
sickness and death in the family had made such calls that the 
finances would not admit of the extra expense of keeping him 
here. Upon learning this fact, the members of Queen Esther 
Chapter determined to assume the responsibility of meeting 
his expenses, and have so far succeeded by giving socials, and 
gathering here a little and there a little." 

In 1887 the Grand Chapter unanimously adopted the clos- 
ing paragraph of the correspondence report, written by Mar- 
tin H. Rice, Past Grand Master, as follows : 

"We had completed and signed the foregoing review be- 
fore this morning's session of the Grand Chapter, expecting to 
submit it at the proper time, without comment; but when we 
entered the hall this morning and saw so many earnest work- 
ing Masons present, taking such an active interest in the wel- 
fare of the Order, and willing to do all in their power to pro- 
mote its interests, we could not refrain from adding a few 
words in conclusion, and declaring in the most emphatic terms 
that this is not a 'woman's order,' in the sense that many would 
have it to be, but a grand organization of Master Masons, their 
wives, mothers, sisters and daughters, united together so that 
all may more fully enjoy the benefits flowing so freely from 
the grand old institution of Freemasonry. We want to put 



GHAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 181 

ourselves on record as opposing all efforts to divorce this Or- 
der from Masonry, or to establish it in any v^ay independent 
of that honored institution. We feel confident that there is 
no disposition on the part of our sisters in Indiana to weaken 
this Order by alienating from it the hearty support of the 
Masonic brotherhood, and we want to afford those in this 
Grand Chapter an opportunity to say to all whom it may con- 
cern whether they endorse the sentiments that we have ex- 
pressed. This they can do by adopting or rejecting this con- 
clusion to our report." 

In 1889 the Grand Matron divided the State in districts 
and appointed a Deputy for each, but the custom was not in- 
corporated into the law and has not been followed since. Five 
hundred dollars was appropriated for the entertainment of the 
General Grand Chapter at its second meeting in Indianapolis. 

In 1892 the Floral Work was first exemplified before the 
Grand Chapter, and at subsequent meetings the Mystic Tie, the 
Vocal Star and ceremony for Draping the Altar were rendered. 
The Grand Organist was added to the list of officers in 1901. 
Two hundred and fifty dollars was contributed toward the 
erection of a Methodist Hospital and $234 to the Eastern Star 
headquarters at the St. Louis fair. Four roll calls of the Grand 
Chapter were ordered in 1904 and two in 19 10, but none was 
ever completed. 

The drill corps of the Knights Templar acted as escort at 
the reception given the Grand Officers and distinguished guests 
in 1911. 

In 1 9 10 the following was adopted, and it would be well 
if every grand body should take similar action : 

''Whereas, Much of the limited time of the sessions of the 
Grand Chapter — which should be devoted strictly to the busi- 
ness — is increasingly being taken by the presentation of 
flowers to different officers, the same often bordering on elec- 
tioneering methods, be it 

"Resolved, That the making of presentations of any kind 
in the Grand Chapter be limited to officers thereof, and that 
such presentations shall only be made to them after they have 
been installed." 

Indiana, it is believed, has the oldest organization of the 



182 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Eastern Star that has had continuous existence, in Sunbeam 
Chapter No. i, Mt. Vernon, which was organized as a Family 
April 19, 1866, and has met regularly ever since. 

An association of Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand 
Patrons was organized in 191 1. There were 701 voters pres- 
ent in 191 1. The salary of the Grand Secretary is $800; the 
receipts, including balance, in 191 1 were $14,589; disburse- 
ments, $6,293 ; balance, $8,296. 

IOWA. 
The first chapter was organized in Clermont, in April, 
1870, and fifty-nine charters were sold in the State by Brother 
Macoy. The first Chapter reorganized in the State by the 

General Grand Chapter was Ruth 
No. 6, Iowa City, May 9, 1877, and 
it was the first subordinate Chapter 
organized anywhere by authority of 
that body. Four other Macoy Chap- 
ters surrendered their charters in 
exchange for those of the General 
Grand Chapter, and four new Chap- 
ters were constituted before the con- 
vention to organize the Grand Chapter met in Cedar Rapids, 
July 30, 1878, upon the call of Jennie E. Mathews, Deputy of 
the Most Worthy Grand Patron, who had been the active 
agent in the work, when seven Chapters were represented. 
A constitution was adopted and allegiance to the General 
Grand Chapter declared. The Grand Patron was made the 
executive head of the Grand Chapter, but in 1881 the Grand 
Matron succeeded to that authority. The annual dues were 
fixed at 2^ cents per capita, but were increased to 35 cents 
in 1887. 

At the second meeting regalia was adopted as follows : 
"For sisters, a scarf with white ground, six inches wide, 
the five colors to be worked around the edge. For brothers, a 
Master Mason's apron, with stars worked in at the two points, 
and borders of the five colors." 

Subsequently the officers' scarfs and aprons were ordered 
made of different colors, while the members' scarfs and aprons 
were white, bordered with the five colors. 




GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 183 

In 1890 the constitution was amended so as to give sub- 
ordinate Chapters additional representation in the Grand Chap- 
ter in proportion to membership. In 1893 the State was di- 
vided into districts, with a Deputy Grand Matron in each. 

By order of the Grand Chapter, the Memorial Service of 
Sister Engle is held at each annual meeting. In 1897 the 
floral star was sent to the widow of Theodore Schreiner, who 
had been the Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter from its 
organization, and was the first Grand Officer to die in office. 
In 1898 the star was sent to the widow of Past Grand Patron 
Dyke, and in 1899 to the mother of Brother Underwood, who 
was killed in the Spanish war. 

In the address of the Grand Matron in 1898, the follow- 
ing extract from the address of the Grand Master of Masons 
was incorporated : 

*'My observation is that where Chapters of the Order of 
the Eastern Star have been established it has added a new 
zest to Masonry, stimulating its social features, and, indeed, 
proving itself an active auxiliary to our Order. If this is true, 
it would follow that it is little for us to do to so far extend our 
good wishes and fraternal sympathy as shall afford encour- 
agement. That we may do so, I suggest the adoption of the 
following, or some like enactment as a standing regulation: 

'' 'That the organization known and designated as the Or- 
der of the Eastern Star, when composed of Masons, their 
wives, widows, mothers, sisters and daughters, may occupy 
Masonic halls for festal and ceremonial purposes.' " 

This was approved and adopted. In a resolution of 
acknowledgment adopted by the Grand Chapter it is erron- 
eously stated that ''Brother Dewey was the first Grand Master 
to recommend the courtesy from the grand Masonic brother- 
hood." Daniel McDonald, when Grand Master of Indiana, in 
1876, ruled that Chapters were entitled to the use of Masonic 
halls, and the Grand Lodge, the same year, declared the Order 
of the Eastern Star to be a Masonic body, within the intent 
of the law that prohibits the use of Masonic halls by other 
than Masonic bodies. 

Over nine hundred dollars was contributed to the Galves- 
ton flood sufferers and $634 was raised for the Order's quar- 



184 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

ters at the St. Louis fair. A memorial bookcase of very neat 
design was placed in the Grand Lodge library in memory of 
T. S. Parvin and a suitable memorial to the memory of Thomas 
R. Ercanbrack, who served as Grand Patron for five years, has 
been placed in the Masonic Home. His widow, Mrs. Harriet 
A. Ercanbrack, served six years as Grand Matron. 

In 1909 a board was established as custodian of the work, 
which examines the District Deputies as to their proficiency 
before they enter upon their work. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $1,000, with office rent 
and $200 for clerk hire. Receipts, 19 10, general fund, includ- 
ing balance, $28,402; disbursements, $15,144; balance, 
$13,258. 

KANSAS. 

The first Chapter was Esther No. i, at Burlington, organ- 
ized in December, 1875, and eighty-two were organized, prin- 
cipally through the labors of Harmon G. Reynolds, who called 
the convention to organize the Grand Chapter, at Emporia, 
October 18, 1876, when forty-two Chapters were represented, 
thirty-one of them by proxies, many of the proxies not being 
members of the Chapters they represented. The Grand 
Patron was made the executive head of the Grand Chapter, 
but this was changed in 1877, since which time the Grand 
Matron has held the authority. The constitution also provided 
for a Deputy Grand Patron and a Deputy Grand Matron, but 
these offices were abolished in 1878. The annual per capita 
dues were fixed at 10 cents, but were raised in 1877 to 20 
cents, in 1896 to 30 cents, but were later reduced to 20 cents. 

In r877 delegates were elected to the General Grand Chap- 
ter, with discretionary powers, who, for the Grand Chapter, 
formally gave its allegiance to the General Grand Chapter at 
its meeting in 1878. 

By the provisions of the constitution the annual meetings 
were held at the same time and place at the meetings of the 
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and owing to the post- 
ponement of its meeting from October, 1879, to February, 
1880, no meeting of the Grand Chapter was held in 1879 
The annual meeting was changed in 1882 to such time and 
place as the Grand Chapter shall designate. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. ' 185 

An Eastern Star Association, whose object is to properly 
celebrate the festal day of the Order, was organized by mem- 
bers in Kansas and western Missouri in 1884, which held 
most enjoyable picnics, which have been participated in by 
goodly numbers. 

A Past Grand Matron's jewel was presented to the retir- 
ing Grand Matron in 1886, and, with few exceptions, all Grand 
Matrons have been similarly remembered with valuable gifts. 
In 1 89 1 it was 

''Resolved, That, in token of the high appreciation of her 
services, the Grand Chapter extends to its first Grand Matron, 
Mary A. Hepler, a heartfelt welcome, and authorizes the 
Grand Secretary to draw an order on the Grand Treasurer re- 
funding to her the amount of her expenses incurred in attend- 
ing this meeting, and this be done annually so long as she re- 
mains in this Grand Jurisdiction." 

In 1893 the Grand Chapter presented Sister Hepler a gold 
watch, suitably inscribed, and, in 1895, appropriated $10 per 
month to her during the remainder of her life. Sister Hep- 
ler's services to the Order in Kansas and generally were in- 
valuable, and she well deserved all the kindnesses that the 
Order bestowed upon her. 

The Grand Chapter, in 1891, also voted to appropriate 
$50 annually to aid Electa Chapter in caring for the orphan, 
Emma Avery, so long as the Chapter has her in charge. 

At the funeral of Lizzie E. Gabriel, Associate Grand 
Matron, in February, 1891, the Knights Templar Comman- 
dery, by permission of the Grand Commander, acted as escort 
to the Chapter, which performed the funeral rites of the Or- 
der, and, in 1892, a Chapter of Sorrow was held in her mem- 
ory, and that of Georgiana SeCoy, Past Grand Matron, by 
the Grand Chapter. The memory of the different Past Grand 
officers has been similarly commemorated by the Grand Chap- 
ter. 

By invitation of the Grand Commandery, the meeting of 
the Grand Chapter was held at Topeka in 1893. The many 
courtesies extended to the Order by the different branches of 
Masonry in Kansas and elsewhere are noted in this history to 
show the growing recognition of the Order and of its good 



186 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

works. No one who has come into the Order in recent years 
can so fully appreciate the contrast between the condition of 
matters in this regard and what formerly prevailed, as can 
those who were early laborers in its upbuilding. In a historical 
address delivered by Mary H. Buck, Past Grand Matron, at 
the twenty-first annual meeting, she said : 

"In those days it was deemed expedient to meet at the same 
time and place as the Masonic Grand Lodge. I well remember 
the cold stare we received, and the elevated noses of some of 
the brethren, as we were compelled at times to pass through 
their committee rooms and anterooms, going to and from our 
place of meeting. . . . There was much prejudice to 
overcome on behalf of our Order in the minds of even the 
truest and best of Masons, the idea having become fossilized 
with many that woman never had been and never could be 
made a Mason — never had and never could keep a secret. But 
I can safely say we have learned to do even that better than 
many of them, for if by chance any terrible mystery is re- 
vealed 'to the profane,' it is usually traceable to the brethren." 

A painting designed by Sister Hepler, giving a pictorial 
history of the Order in Kansas, was paid for by contributions 
from the subordinate Chapters, amounting to $300, and was 
displayed in the Kansas building at the World's Fair, and it 
now adorns the walls of the Kansas Masonic Home. The 
Galveston flood sufferers were relieved to the extent of $282. 

In 1895 the Grand Chapter was invited to attend a recep- 
tion and ball given by Mt. Olivet Commandery, Knights Temp- 
lar, and in 1898 the Grand Commandery unanimously adopted 
the following: 

''Resolved, That the Grand Commandery of Knights Temp- 
lar, in annual conclave assembled, hereby extends to the Order 
of the Eastern Star our knightly and courteous greetings and 
our sincere wish that their session may be pleasant and har- 
monious and their legislation wise and judicious." 

In 1908, in response to the circular letter of the General 
Grand Chapter officers, it was unanimously 

''Resolved, That we reaffirm the action taken by the Grand 
Chapter two years ago relative to the use of the square and 
compasses, the rods in purging the Chapter, and Matron leav- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



187 



ing her station to greet newly admitted members; that we 
continue all the usages." 

The Grand Secretary is paid a salary of $i,ooo and allowed 
$240 for office rent. There were 615 voters in the meeting in 
1911, 328 of whom were representatives and 287 were either 
Grand officers, Past Matrons or Past Patrons. 

The general fund receipts in 1911, including balance, were 
$9,845; disbursements, $4,080; balance, $5,765. 

KENTUCKY. 

Brother Macoy's first Chapter was at Lancaster, in August, 
1870. Subsequently he chartered Queen Esther Chapter at 
Louisville, which exchanged 
its charter for one from 
the General Grand Chapter, 
March 25, 1882, but after 
maintaining a struggling ex- 
istence for some time it suc- 
cumbed, but was reorganized 
later. Thirty-eight other 
Chapters were chartered by 
the General Grand Chapter, 
but only twenty-two of them 
survive. The Grand Chap- 
ter was organized at Louis- 
ville, June 9, 1903, and the full corps of officers was re-elected 
by single ballot at the first meeting, in October, 1903. The 
Engle Memorial Service has been rendered before the Grand 
Chapter at each annual meeting. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $500. Receipts, 19 10, including 
balance, $4,694; disbursements, $2,980; balance, $1,714. 

LOUISIANA. 

Rob Morris Chapter No. i, New Orleans, was chartered 
by the General Grand Chapter April i, 1884, but became dor- 
mant. Rebecca No. 2, Welsh, was chartered June 3, 1890, 
and subsequently twelve other Chapters were chartered, and 
No. I was reorganized. At the convention to organize the 
Grand Chapter, eight of the ten Chapters that survived were 
represented, the meeting being held in Alexandria, October 4, 




188 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

1900. The per capita dues were fixed at 25 cents. Forty- 
three dollars was contributed to the Order's headquarters at 
the St. Louis fair. In 1908 the State was divided into dis- 
tricts. According to the Grand Lodge law, Chapters, not be- 
ing Masonic bodies, are not permitted to meet in Masonic halls, 
but the Grand Lodge exempts the halls in New Orleans from 
this prohibition. It is not explained why the New Orleans 
lodge rooms are less sacred than those in the outlying parishes. 
Grand Secretary's salary, $300. Receipts, 1910, includ- 
ing balance, $3,425 ; disbursements, $2,243 5 balance, $1,182. 

MAINE. 

Brother Macoy sold a charter for a Chapter in South Ber- 
wick in May, 1870. The first Chapter organized by the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter was Adah No. i, at Biddeford, April 3, 
1888. The convention to organize the Grand Chapter was 
called by Golden Rod Chapter No. 8, Rockland, and met in 
Rockland August 24, 1892, when seven of the eleven Chapters 
in the State were represented, and a constitution was adopted 
which made the Grand Matron the executive head of the Grand 
Chapter and all Past Matrons and Past Patrons permanent 
members of the Grand Chapter, and provided that in addition 
to the three principal officers a Chapter of over fifty members 
should be entitled to one additional representative, and to one 
additional representative for each additional fifty members, 
but the additional representation was abolished in 1894. The 
per capita dues were fixed at 25 cents per annum. Provision 
w^as early made for the Grand Matron to officially visit each 
subordinate Chapter annually, and in 1896 the State was di- 
vided into districts with a Deputy Grand Matron in each, and 
schools of instruction have been held in them each year since. 
One hundred and thirty-six dollars was contributed to the Gal- 
veston flood sufferers and $733 for the relief of victims of the 
San Francisco disaster. The number of rituals was confined 
to ten to a Chapter in 1905. The Grand Patron in his address 
in 1907 called attention to the fact that of all the Masonic 
lodges in the State, those located in places where there were 
Eastern Star Chapters the previous year had made a gain of 
two and three-fifths per cent, in membership, while the other 
lodges had increased but one and one-eighth per cent. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 189 

Grand Secretary's salary, $300; for clerk hire, $200; for 
rent, $100. Receipts, 1911, including balance, $8,412; dis- 
bursements, $2,724; balance, $5,688. 

MARYLAND. 

The Grand Chapter of New York chartered Alpha Chap- 
ter No. I, at Baltimore, September 15, 1879, but the charter 
was surrendered and one taken from the General Grand Chap- 
ter, April 26, 1880. The convention to organize the Grand 
Chapter met in Baltimore, December 23, 1898, when seven of 
the nine Chapters in the State were represented. Upon the 
question of organizing a Grand Chapter six Chapters voted 
for and one against, and upon the announcement of the vote 
the representatives of the dissenting Chapter withdrew. The 
Grand Matron and Grand Patron elect each volunteered to 
advance the Grand Chapter $100 to pay its necessary expenses, 
which offers were accepted. The constitution adopted made 
Past Matrons and Past Patrons permanent members of the 
Grand Chapter, the Grand Matron the executive head, and 
fixed the per capita dues at 25 cents per annum, which were 
subsequently increased to 40 cents. It also provided for two 
stated meetings each year after the pattern of the Grand 
Chapter of the District of Columbia, the annual in January 
and the second in June, but the June meeting was discontinued 
in 1 901. A majority of the Chapters in the State was made 
to constitute a quorum. At the first annual meeting, January 
25, 1899, the record shows five Chapters represented and five 
not represented, but, notwithstanding, the Grand Chapter pro- 
ceeded with its business. The sisters appointed to office from 
the unrepresented Chapters sent declinations. At the June 
meeting in 1899 two of the dissenting Chapters were repre- 
sented. In 1899 a proclamation was issued declaring one 
Chapter that had not come into the fold, Concordia No. 5, 
Baltimore, clandestine; but in January, 1900, the Chapter hav- 
ing reconsidered its action, and submitted to the authority of 
the Grand Chapter, it was reinstated, and peace was restored 
in "Maryland, my Maryland." 

A bazar held for the benefit of the Grand Chapter netted 
$743, and $71 was contributed to the Galveston flood suffer- 



190 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

ers. An edict was passed that no member of the Order in the 
Jurisdiction should be allowed to associate with or become a 
member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. 

In 1908, 233 Christmas baskets were given to as many chil- 
dren, and in 1909 900 children were similarly provided for at 
an expense of $648, the money being contributed by the Chap- 
ters for that purpose. 

In 1910 the Grand Matron was directed to request that 
each Chapter name an instructed delegate to act as a caucus 
member to suggest candidates for Grand offices, same not to 
be binding, but purely advisory. A committee was appointed 
to co-operate with the Baltimore chapters looking to the es- 
tablishment of an Eastern Star hall. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $200. Receipts, 1910, including 
balance, $1,557; disbursements, $909; balance, $648. 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

The first Chapter, Harmony No. i, was organized at Shel- 
burne Falls in March, 1869. A council to consider the ex- 
pediency of forming a Grand Chapter met in Worcester Octo- 
ber 23, 1876, at which six Chapters were represented, and a 
call was issued for a convention to organize a Grand Chapter 
at Worcester, December 11, 1876, when the Grand Chapter 
was organized by delegates from five of the eight Chapters in 
the State. By the constitution adopted, the Grand Patron was 
made the executive head of the body, and he appointed all the 
appointive officers, including a Deputy Grand Patron, who 
was the second officer, there being no Associate Grand Patron, 
and the Grand Chapter consisted "of all present and Past 
Matrons, Patrons and Associate Matrons, and such other per- 
sons as the Grand Chapter shall elect," but this latter clause 
was stricken out in 1882. Dues were fixed at 25 cents per 
capita, were reduced to 15 cents in 1879, but later raised to 
20 cents. At the meeting for organization 

'^Brother Lamb called attention to the imperfections of the 
ritual; its histories are too lengthy and untrue, its symbols 
double-tongued, and their teachings inconsistent ; as a specimen 
of English composition it is unworthy of the Order." 

On his motion it was ordered that a committee of five be 
appointed to make a thorough revision of the ritual. The 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 191 

chairman of this committee, Brother Lamb, reported in 1877 
that he had made suggestions to the ritual committee of the 
General Grand Chapter as to the changes desired, and recom- 
mended that the Grand Chapter await the action of the general 
body. The Grand Chapter declared its sympathy with the 
General Grand Chapter, and elected Brother Lamb as a repre- 
sentative to it. Respecting Brother Lamb's efforts in co-oper- 
ating with the ritual committee of the General Grand Chapter, 
the Grand Patron said, in 1877: 

"I have been witness to the labor and ability he has given 
to the work, and the Order is in no small degree indebted to 
him for what he has achieved. His version of the five his- 
tories, which have been used during the past six months in 
Stella Chapter, has been substantially accepted by the General 
Grand Chapter ; also the funeral ceremonies which he had pre- 
pared." 

The Grand Chapter voted unanimously to acknowledge al- 
legiance to the General Grand Chapter, and a special meeting 
of the Grand Chapter was held in Springfield Januar\^ 27, 
1879, for the purpose of exemplifying the work according to 
the new ritual. 

Fifteen persons, not past officers, were elected members of 
the Grand Chapter in 1878. Li 1880 the duties of the Grand 
Matron were greatly enlarged, and in 1894 she was made the 
executive head of the Grand Chapter. 

In 1892 the State was divided into districts and a Deputy 
Grand Matron appointed in each. The Chapters contributed 
liberally toward the maintaining of the Eastern Star corner 
at the World's Fair. In 1894 the Grand Treasurer not hav- 
ing sufficient funds to pay the indebtedness of the Grand Chap- 
ter, the members present contributed a sufficient amount to 
make good the deficiency. This year Sister Ewing was unan- 
imously re-elected Grand Matron, but declined to accept the 
office. 

Concerning the rendition of the Vocal Star for the first 
time in the State by Athenia Chapter, the Grand Patron said 
in 1896: 

"No one's expectations met with disappointment. While 
no lovelier than the floral addenda perhaps, this work certain- 



192 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

ly is more impressive in its teachings, and it was most beau- 
tifully rendered. I commend both these ceremonies, and am 
in favor of the exemplification of one or both at least once a 
year." 

Relative to the meeting of the General Grand Chapter in 
Boston, the committee reported that the Chapters in the State 
contributed $1,664.13. Headquarters was established; a bu- 
reau of information maintained; a banquet given in Faneuil 
Hall; a theater party given at Castle Square Theater; souve- 
nir badges were given to members of the Order registering at 
headquarters, and a souvenir jewel presented to each member 
of the General Grand Chapter. Twenty-three hundred mem- 
bers, representing 408 Chapters, located in thirty-seven States, 
registered during the week, and a balance of $84.90 was turned 
into the Grand Chapter treasury. 

A Past Matrons and Past Patrons' Association has ex- 
isted for many years, which holds a picnic each summer and 
a banquet each spring. Contributions were made to the Gal- 
veston flood sufferers, $491 ; St. Louis Fair, $128; San Fran- 
cisco fire sufferers, $7,756. A Board of Control, to super- 
vise the ritual work, was established in 1909. There were 734 
members in attendance in 1911. The receipts, including bal- 
ance, were $6,111; disbursements, $3,205; balance, $2,906. 
Grand Secretary's salary, $1,000. 

MICHIGAN. 

. The Grand Lodge of Adoptive Masonry was organized at 
Adrian October 30, 1867, by sixty delegates from fifteen 
lodges, and different works of Adoptive Masonry were exem- 
plified, after which that of J. H. Tatem, with some changes, 
was adopted. The Grand Worthy President (equivalent to 
Grand Matron) was made the executive head of the grand 
body, with power to grant dispensations for the organization 
of new lodges. A committee was appointed to procure regalia 
for the Grand officers, which it did at an expense of $146.25. 
In 1868 a committee was appointed on revision of ritual and 
short opening and closing prayers were adopted. 

In 1869 a revised ritual was adopted, including a form for 
funeral ceremonies, which was a revision of that found in 
Adoptive Rite. Provision was made for dividing the State 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 193 

into nine districts and to appoint a District Lecturer in each. 
In 1870 complant was received from Robert Macoy that the 
Grand Lodge had ''appropriated his ritual and burial service, 
in whole or in part, without his permission," and the commit- 
tee in the matter reported that they had 

''Reviewed all the correspondence within our control, and 
from the knowledge obtained from this and other sources, 
together with a careful examination of the late work of Broth- 
er Macoy, date of copyright, publication, etc., your committee 
considers that he has no cause for complaint, with the excep- 
tion, perhaps, of the adoption or use of the funeral service; 
while we have not the means of knowing that it is his property, 
yet, inasmuch as our worthy brother objects to its use at the 
grave of a deceased sister in Michigan, we would recommend 
that it be stricken from our report, and that we rely in the 
future on our own talents for the adoption of a funeral serv- 
ice. Your committee concludes that the committee last year 
who adopted said service and submitted it for your approval, 
not only wronged Brother Macoy, but have thereby induced 
this grand body to take action upon a matter entirely beyond 
its control." 

In 1 87 1 another funeral service, prepared by Past Presi- 
dent H. E. Rehklaw, was adopted. In 1876 a committee was 
appointed to publish the ritual as revised, which discharged the 
duty, giving what is known in this history as the Michgan 
Ritual. 

In 1877 "Brother Willis D. Engle, Grand Patron of the 
Order of the Eastern Star in the State of Indiana, was in- 
vited to attend the sessions of this grand body," he being the 
first visitor ever admitted to its meetings who was not a mem- 
ber of a lodge in Michigan. He was subsequently invited to 
address the Grand Lodge in regard to the General Grand Chap- 
ter. A communication from the officers of that body was re- 
ceived, and three delegates were elected to attend its next 
meeting, which they did, and in 1878 the Grand Lodge "re- 
solved that we acknowledge the jurisdiction of the General 
Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and conform 
our work to its ritual," and a committee was appointed to 
make the necessary revision of the constitution and laws. 



194 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

which reported the following year, and the transformation was 
completed. 

The Order in Michigan, by cheerfully giving up its old 
work, which had many points of beauty and appropriateness 
not embodied in the General Grand Chapter ritual, and relin- 
quishing its form of organization, which antedated that of the 
Chapter form by at least a year, and its Grand Lodge organ- 
ization being nearly three years older than the oldest Grand 
Chapter, for the sake of union and uniformity, certainly dem- 
onstrated its title to the prosperity that has crowned its later 
years. 

There had been fifty lodges formed in the State up to this 
time, but twenty-seven of them had forfeited their charters. 

In 1 88 1 the following was adopted: 

"Whereas, The time has come in the temperance work 
when every person and society ought to take right grounds 
and show their true colors everywhere ; therefore, 

''Resolved, That we believe in and will practice total ab- 
stinence from all that will intoxicate, and will use our most 
earnest endeavors to totally abolish all drinking customs and 
suppress the liquor traffic by the use of all moral and legal 
measures practicable." 

The provision that "no person shall be eligible for the of- 
fice of Matron or Associate Matron who has not served at 
least one term upon one of the five points of the star," was 
repealed in 1882. 

In 1886 Rob Morris sent the following sentiment, which 
was adopted : 

"The Eastern Star: The Star of Bethlehem once guided 
three wise men to the place where the infant Jesus lay. But 
the Eastern Star is this hour guiding fifty thousand wise 
women to the highest plane of earthly merit and usefulness. 
May the rays of light we cherish continue to guide us through 
middle life, through old age, and even through the darkness 
of the tomb to those green meadows by the crystal river, 
where the tree of life grows, and where faith is lost in sight, 
and hope ends in fruition." 

In 1890 the Vocal Star was rendered for the first time by 
the Past Grand Matrons, at whose request it was written. All 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 195 

Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made members of the 
Grand Chapter in 1889, but they were dropped out in 1892. 
In the printed proceedings of 1891 the poem "In Masons' Hall 
with Earnest Eyes Upon the Chart Before Me," was pub- 
lished and credited to Rev. Willis D. Engle, which was, of 
course, an error of the Grand Secretary, as the poem was writ- 
ten long years before I saw the rays of the Eastern Star, by 
H. T. Stanton. The error arose from the fact that I had had 
it printed and had given it wide free circulation, even before 
knowing the name of its author. 

In 1894 the Grand Chapter purchased a set of grand of- 
ficers' jewels at a cost of $200, made ''of sterling silver, triple 
gold plated, upper bar with state coat of arms in center, and 
the words 'Grand Chapter' in gold, in field of dark blue enamel ; 
the lower bar with 'Michigan' in letters of gold in field of 
white enamel; the stars all enameled in the five colors; em- 
blems of office and point emblems in gold." They were pro- 
nounced to be the most elegant jewels used by any society in 
this country. 

The Grand Chapter in 1897 instructed all Chapters to 
provide their delegates with badges containing the name, num- 
ber and location of the Chapter; and in 1898 it was ordered 
"that, as the grand seal of our State was designed by the first 
Grand Master of Masons of Michigan, Governor Lewis Cass, 
it shall hereafter embellish the cover of the proceedings of 
this Grand Chapter." 

The State was divided into districts in 1901, and schools 
of instruction have been held in most of them annually. There 
are also thirty-one county associations, of which there are an- 
nual meetings. The entertainment of the General Grand 
Chapter in 1901 involved an expense of $308, and the same 
year the Engle Memorial Service was held, and it was "rec- 
ommended that all Chapters hold Chapters of Sorrow." The 
Grand Lodge officially recognized the Order the same year. 

A reference to the statistical tables will show what a won- 
derful development there has been in this Grand Chapter, be- 
ginning soon after it changed its form of organization, it 
having increased over tenfold in membership in the ten years 
following 1885, and about doubled its members from 1895 to 



196 GRAXD CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

1900. It will also be noted that it has the largest number 
of Chapters in proportion to the number of lodges in the State. 
The Grand Chapter pays one delegate from each Chapter 
S3 per day and 6 cents per mile traveled one way. The salar}^ 
of the Grand Secretar}- is S800. In 19 10 there were 1,045 
votes in the Grand Chapter. The receipts, including balance 
and an invested fund of S5.590, were 827,803; disbursements, 
$8,965; balance, $18,838. 

MOXTAXA. 

The first Chapter. Miriam Xo. i. was chartered by the 
General Grand Chapter and was organized at Helena Januan.^ 
10, 1881. Four other Chapters had been organized before the 
assembling of the convention to organize the Grand Chapter, 
in Livingston, September 24. 1890, at which all were repre- 
sented, and the organization was completed on September 25. 
The constitution of the Grand Chapter of Michigan was adopt- 
ed with necessar}- changes: the Grand ^latron was made the 
executive head of the body; Past ^Matrons and Past Patrons 
were made members, and the per capita dues fixed at 50 cents 
per annum. In 1892 the Grand ^Matron was given exclusive 
authority to grant dispensations for and organize new Chap- 
ters. In 1897 the Chapters were authorized to elect proxies 
to serve if the three principal ofiicers could not attend the 
meetings of the Grand Chapter. The Chapters were requested 
to donate a sum equal to 10 cents per capita toward a fund to 
pay the expenses of the Grand Matron in making ofiicial visits, 
in 1898, but in later years appropriations have been made for 
that purpose from the treasur}^ The cr3'stal anniversar\- of 
the Grand Chapter was celebrated in 1904. an interesting pro- 
gram being presented. Generous contributions were made by 
the subordinate Chapters for the St. Louis fair and S372 on 
account of the San Francisco fire. The Grand Secretar}''s sal- 
ary is $500, and in 1910 the receipts, including balance, were 
$4,876; disbursements, $2,284: balance, $2,592. 

:minkesota. 

The first Chapter was Cr\'stal Lake Xo. i. organized at 
Hokak, in October. 1869. The convention to organize the 
Grand Chapter was called by Leonard Lewis, Deput}^ of the 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 197 

Most Worthy Grand Patron, and met in Minneapolis, June 27, 
1878, when five of the eleven chapters that had been organized 
in the State were represented by seventeen delegates. Of 
these Chapters but three now survive. The constitution adopt- 
ed made Past Matrons and Past Patrons members of the 
Grand Chapter, clothed the Grand Matron with executive 
powers, and fixed the per capita dues at 15 cents. Allegiance 
to the General Grand Chapter was acknowledged. 

The Grand Chapter failed to meet in 1880. In 1882 the 
State was divided into three districts, with a Deputy Grand 
Patron in each. In 1883 the Grand Patron in his address 
criticised the work as exemplified in Minneapolis Chapter No. 
9, which was an attempt to dramatize the work, falling far 
below the Mosaic, and the jurisprudence committee reported 
recommending 

"That so much of the Grand Patron's address as refers to 
the peculiar exemplification of the work in Minneapolis Chap- 
ter No. 9 be not entered on the Grand Chapter records — from 
our knowledge, we deem it not as an ignoring, nor any infrac- 
tion of the recognized ritual of the Order, but simply as an en- 
largement, or, perhaps, an enriching of the work, rendering it 
more attractive and impressive. While we do not recommend 
its adoption by other Chapters, we see nothing inappropriate 
in this practice, if any Chapter desires to adopt it." 

This report was adopted. In 1884, at Hastings, while a 
report of a special committee disapproving the work of Minne- 
apolis Chapter No. 9 was under consideration, and before of- 
ficers had been elected, or other business disposed of, ''with- 
out a thought as to the seriousness of the result," a motion to 
adjourn was adopted, and the Grand Chapter meeting ended. 
The constitution provided that the Grand Chapter should des- 
ignate the place for its next meeting, which was not done. A 
special meeting was called by the Grand Matron for May 13, 
1885, at Farmington. Although the constitution provided 
"No new Chapter shall be formed in any town or city where 
one or more Chapters exist, except upon the recommendation 
of the Chapters already organized in said town or city," the 
Grand Matron decided that one could be organized in Minne- 
apolis without the recommendation of No. 9, and the same day 



198 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

that the decision was rendered a Chapter was organized there- 
in. Four days after rendering this decision she suspended 
No. 9 on account of the manner in which it rendered the work, 
and forbade all intercourse with its members as such. The 
Grand Secretary being a member of No. 9, the Grand Matron 
decided that she ''could not perform the duties of any office," 
and she was directed to turn over the property of the Grand 
Chapter in her possession, which she refused to do. At the 
called meeting at Farmington a corps of officers was elected. 

On August II, 1895, the Most Worthy Grand Patron is- 
sued an edict that 

"The Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of the 
State of Minnesota is no longer a legally qualified body to ad- 
minister the affairs of the Order in that jurisdiction, and that 
its existence as a part of the General Grand Chapter is hereby 
terminated, and I do, in behalf of the General Grand Chapter 
assume jurisdiction over all lawful Chapters and members of 
the Order in that State, and it is hereby ordered that all such 
Chapters shall report to the Right Worthy Grand Secretary of 
the General Grand Chapter, and in all things conform to and 
obey the constitution." 

At the meeting of the Grand Chapter in October, 1885, the 
charter of No. 9 was arrested. The Grand Matron and Grand 
Patron ably defended their actions in the matter, and the 
Grand Chapter approved the same. A second Grand Chapter 
was organized May 12, 1886. For an account of the actions 
of the General Grand Chapter in this matter refer to the sketch 
of that body, and for the history of the Second Grand Chap- 
ter see subsequent pages. 

The Grand Chapter continued its work, five Chapters be- 
ing represented in 1886, six in 1887, eight in 1888 and 1889, 
ten in 1890, eight in 1891 and 1892, and seven in 1893. Va- 
rious efforts were made to harmonize the conflicting elements, 
but without success. In 1889 representatives of Chapters 
working under Grand Chapter No. 2 applied for admission, 
but the Grand Chapter refusing to admit those from three 
Chapters, all declined to enter, but later the Grand Chapter 
declared it would admit the excepted Chapters "provided our 
Grand Patron shall be fully satisfied of their sincerity." In 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 199 

its last report, 1893, eight subordinates reported 280 members. 
The loyalty and devotion to their organization of the members 
of this Grand Chapter during the long years of trial are worthy 
of commendation. 

At a special meeting held May 9, 1894, at which nine 
Chapters were represented, after conferring with representa- 
tives of No. 2, the following was adopted : 

"Whereas, It is desirable that the two Grand Chapters Or- 
der of the Eastern Star existing in the State of Minnesota be 
united. 

''Resolved, That the Grand Chapter now in session in St. 
Paul is invited to meet this Grand Chapter at the Masonic 
Temple in St. Paul at 3 o'clock this day to perfect such union, 
to be known as the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star 
of the State of Minnesota, which organization shall be upon 
this basis : The preservation of the Eastern Star status of all 
officers and members of subordinate Chapters. Also, that all 
charters of all subordinate Chapters be preserved, subject to 
revisal where in conflict in names or numbers. 

''Resolved, That the seal of the Grand Chapter shall con- 
tain the inscription : 'Grand Chapter of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, Minnesota, 1878- 1886. United May 10, 1894.' 
Also the signet." 

Thus was union at last consummated. 

MINNESOTA NO. 2. 

Of the seventeen Chapters organized before the disruption 
of the Grand Chapter, six had died, six remained loyal to 
No. I, five joined No. 2, and one divided into two Chapters, 
one of them remaining with No. i and the other joining No. 2. 
The convention to organize Grand Chapter No. 2 was called 
by S. I. Wing, Deputy of the Most Worthy Grand Patron, 
and met May 12, 1886, when six Chapters were represented, 
the organization completed and the State divided into five dis- 
tricts with a Deputy Grand Patron in each. 

The Grand Chapter adopted the Chapter of Sorrow, by 
Addie C. S. Engle, in 1889, and set apart July 31, the day of 
Rob Morris' death, "as the day for holding such Chapter of 
Sorrow throughout this jurisdiction," and it has been held by 
the Grand Chapter frequently. 



200 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



A special meeting was held January 14, 1890, when a com- 
mittee was appointed to issue a statement relative to the con- 
troversy in the Order in the State, which was prepared by J. 
R. Walker. At the annual meeting the dramatized work was 
exemplified before the Grand Chapter by Minneapolis Chap- 
ter No. 9. 

During 1891 five Chapters were organized and one came 
over from No. i . An effort was made to unite the two Grand 
Chapters, and came near being successful, and paved the way 
for the final consummation of the union, the vote of the sub- 
ordinate Chapters on the acceptance of the plan proposed be- 
ing unanimous as to the subordinates of No. 2, but in No. I's 
subordinates the vote stood four for and six against. 

In 1892 ten Chapters were organized and two came over 
from No. i, while in 1893 thirteen Chapters were organized. 
By the report of 1893 there were forty-nine Chapters with a 
membership of 2,665, to which were added fifteen Chapters in 
1894, making the totals sixty-four Chapters and, approximate- 
ly, 3,215 members under No. 2 at time of the union. 

MINNESOTA UNITED. 

May 10, 1894, upon the arrival of the members of No. i, 
a joint meeting was held, over which Mary C. Snedden, Most 
Worthy Grand Matron, presided, supported by two corps of 
officers, sixty Chapters being represented, and it was 

''Resolved, By the two Grand Chapters now jointly assem- 
bled, that the proposed union is hereby declared to be effected, 

and the Grand Chapter result- 
ing from said union is declared 
to be the Grand Chapter Order 
of the Eastern Star of the State 
of Minnesota." 

The Grand Matron stated 
that she had imposed upon the 
retiring Grand Patron, Brother 
Gearhart, the duty of acting as 
Worthy Grand Marshal, for 
the reason that to him, more 
than to any one else, the credit 
of restoring peace to the Order in Minnesota was due, and she 




GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 201 

felt that he should have the satisfaction of proclaiming the 
installation of the officers of the united Grand Chapter. 

In 1897 the Grand Matron divided the State into fifteen 
districts and held conventions in each, which were quite suc- 
cessful, and the Grand Chapter voted to continue the system. 
A code of etiquette, customs and rules for the guidance of 
officers and subordinate Chapters was also adopted. 

The Grand Matron, in 1898, incorporated in her address 
a statement of the Grand Lecturer regarding the manner of 
exemplifying the work in Minneapolis Chapter No. 9, and the 
Grand Chapter. 

''Resolved, That any subordinate Chapter within the juris- 
diction of the Grand Chapter which may have heretofore 
adopted or used in the conferring of the degrees any so-called 
'dramatic work,' or work different from, or not in conformity 
with, the work promulgated by the General Grand Chapter, or 
adopted by this Grand Chapter, be, and such subordinate Chap- 
ter is, hereby ordered and directed to make its work conform 
to said ritual." 

During 1899 the Grand Matron suspended the charter of 
Minneapolis Chapter No. 9 for gross infraction of the laws of 
the Order, and her action was approved, and she was elected 
for the third time, but declined, and the Grand Chapter, "in 
the interest of harmony and with the earnest hope that the 
experience of the past may prove a salutary lesson in the fu- 
ture," restored the charter. In 1900 twenty-one schools for 
instruction were inaugurated in as many districts. Three 
hundred and sixty-three dollars was contributed to the Gal- 
veston flood sufferers and $295 for the St. Louis fair. The 
Star Crowned Cross was exemplified in 1902, the Guiding Star 
in 1903 and 1904, the Mystic Tie in 1906, and the Vocal Star 
in 1900 and 191 1. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $600. The receipts, 
191 1, including balance, were $7,978; disbursements, $3,460; 
balance, $4,518. There is a reserve fund of $1,708. 

MISSISSIPPI. 

The first Chapter was organized at Starkville in April, 
1870. The Grand Chapter was organized at Rienzi Decem- 
ber 15, 1870, by representatives of five of the seven Chapters 



202 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

that had been organized in the State. It was the practice to 
hold a public Grand Chapter of Sorrow at each meeting, which 
was the chief event of the session, and on one of these occa- 
sions the local Commandery of Knights Templar acted as an 
escort to the Grand Chapter. 

John L. Power was Grand Patron during the entire exist- 
ence of the Grand Chapter. In his address in 1873 he said: 

'Tt is well known to us, and it may as well be known to 
others, that the first idea of a State Grand Chapter originated 
in this State. Chapters of the Order have for many years 
existed in the Eastern and Western States, deriving their 
authority and charters from a sort of self -constituted Supreme 
Grand Council located in the East, that place of all light 
Masonically. It was from this supreme authority your Grand 
Patron received his commission on May 26, 1870. On the 
15th of December following Chapters numbered 2, 4, 5, 6 and 
7 held a convocation at Rienzi and organized the second [he 
was in error; he should have said the third] Grand Chapter 
on this continent. On the 3d of the previous month a Grand 
Chapter of the Order was formed in New York, but the cor- 
respondence of this office for 1870 attests that the brethren 
and sisters of the Empire State acted upon suggestions from 
this Jurisdiction in organizing their Grand Chapter." 

In 1874, after the Grand Chapter had been closed, the local 
Chapter was opened and "Kosciusko Commandery, K. T. 
(all of whom were members of the Adoptive Rite), entered 
in full dress uniform, when the Grand Matron presented the 
Commandery a large and elegant Bible; after which the Sir 
Knights escorted the Chapter members to their banquet hall, 
where all enjoyed the festivities." 

Ten of the forty-one Chapters on the roll were repre- 
sented at the seventh and last meeting in 1877. Eighteen 
Chapters reported 510 members. The Grand Patron said: 

'T regret that I cannot report prosperity in the Order. A 
few Chapters report great zeal and harmony, regular meetings 
and general attendance, but fully one-half of the Chapters are 
virtually dead." 

The Grand Patron granted a dispensation for the admis- 



GRAND CKAPTEE, HISTORIES. 203 

sion of a young lady lacking a few months of being sixteen, 
but "about grown." 

The Supreme Council was pledged the hearty co-operation 
of the Grand Chapter in 1873. In 1875 recognition was with- 
drawn from the Supreme Grand Council and resolutions 
adopted looking to the formation of a legitimate General 
Grand Body. In 1877 the Grand Patron being somewhat 
intimidated by the onslaught made by the Grand Patron of 
New York on the General Grand Chapter, raised the question 
of repudiating that body, but the Grand Chapter declared 
''that it would be highly inexpedient in the present languish- 
ing condition of the Order in this State that any additional 
burdens be imposed. This Grand Chapter recognizes the 
regular formation of the General Grand Chapter and cheer- 
fully surrenders to same the jurisdiction of all territory be- 
yond the limits of our own State over which this Grand Body 
has assumed control." 

The latter clause referring to the two Chapters in Florida, 
one of which had been chartered by Brother Macoy, and the 
other being chartered by the Grand Chapter of Mississippi 
April 22, 1876. (See Florida.) 

In all there were forty-one Chapters organized in this 
State under the authority of the Grand Chapter, seventeen of 
which reported to the Grand Chapter in 1877, when ten Chap- 
ters were represented. 

In 1 88 1 the Grand Patron wrote to the Right Worthy 
Grand Secretary: 

"Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star, 

"Office of the Grand Worthy Patron, 

"Jackson, Miss., June 11, 1881. 

"Dear Brother Engle : The Grand Chapter, Eastern Star, 
of this State has had no meeting since 1877. The yellow 
fever in 1878 prevented a meeting that year, and the appre- 
hension of fever prevented a meeting in 1879. Other causes 
prevented a meeting last year and I have called no meeting 
this year. Our Grand Worthy Matron is in a low state of 
health, and has been for more than a 3^ear, so that if I had 
the time to work up a meeting I could not have her co-opera- 



204 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

tion. Notwithstanding all this, a few Chapters continue to 
meet, and occasional inquiries are made as to an annual meet- 
ing. But so many duties are demanding my time I cannot 
give to the Eastern Star the attention it deserves and should 
have to prosper. I have repeatedly tried to retire from the 
office of Grand Patron, but each time unanimously re-elected. 
Under all the circumstances I have thought it best to take the 
responsibility of transferring the Order in this State to the 
fostering care of the General Grand Chapter. You have our 
last proceedings and can correspond with the Chapters. All 
I ask is to be relieved of the honors and labors incident to the 
office of Grand Patron. Fraternally, J. L. Power." 

This was followed by earnest efforts on the part of the 
Right Worthy Grand Secretary to secure a meeting of the 
Grand Chapter, but without success, and on April 23, 1885, 
the General Grand Chapter assumed jurisdiction over Missis- 
sippi, all the Chapters having at that time ceased to exist, and 
on April 30, 1895, ^ charter was issued to Winnie Davis 
Chapter No. i, Brookhaven, and subsequently fifteen other 
Chapters were chartered and the Grand Chapter was organized 
at Meridian on May 29, 1906, in which Past Matrons and 
Past Patrons were given membership and the minimum fee 
for the degrees fixed at three dollars. The per capita dues 
were fixed at fifty cents, ten cents of which was to be devoted 
to the Home fund, but the dues were increased to one dollar 
in 191 1, with a view to pay mileage to representatives, which 
theretofore had been paid to Grand officers only. The most 
friendly relations exist with the different branches of Ma- 
sonry. In 1909 the Grand Commandery sent a deputation to 
the Grand Chapter and a joint social reception was held, and in 
1911 the various Masonic bodies which were meeting at the 
same time in a different city united in telegraphic greetings. 
In 1 910 a resolution was passed adopting the General Grand 
Chapter ritual ! All Past Grand Masters who were members 
of the Order were elected Honorary Past Grand Patrons the 
same year, and in 1911 the Jurisdiction was divided into dis- 
tricts, schools of instruction inaugurated and the Floral Work 
exemplified. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $150, and the receipts in 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



205 



1911, including balance, were $2,199; disbursements, $1,595; 
balance, $604. 

MISSOURI. 

The first Chapter organized was said by Brother Macoy 
to have been at Graham, in October, 1869, but Queen Esther, 
at Hannibal, organized in December, 1871, bore the number 
one, while the one at Graham was numbered two. The con- 
vention to organize the Grand Chapter was called by Thomas 
C. Read}^ Provisional Grand Patron, and met in Masonic Hall, 
St. Louis, October 13, 1875, ^^^^ credential report showing 
sixty-five representatives present from forty-five of the 144 




Chapters which had been organized principally by Brother 
Harmon G. Reynolds, and one Provisional Grand Patron and 
two Deputy Grand Patrons. The constitution adopted was 
unique, providing that : ''The first triennial meeting shall 
be held on the Wednesday after the second Tuesday in Octo- 
ber, 1878, commencing at 7 o'clock in the evening, and trien- 
nial meetings shall be held every three years thereafter, on 
the same day, and at the same hour, in the city of St. Louis. 

''The Grand Chapter shall consist of a Grand Patron, 
Deputy Grand Patron, Grand Matron, Deputy Grand Matron, 



206 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Associate Grand Matron, Deputy Associate Grand Matron, 
Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Conductress, 
Deputy Grand Conductress, Associate Grand Conductress, 
Deputy Associate Grand Conductress, five Grand Chaplains, 
Grand Marshal, five Assistant Grand Marshals, Grand Lec- 
turer, Grand Adah, three Assistant Grand Adahs, Grand Ruth, 
three Assistant Grand Ruths, Grand Esther, three Assistant 
Grand Esthers, Grand Martha, three Assistant Grand Marthas, 
Grand Electa, three Assistant Grand Electas, Grand Warder, 
Assistant Grand Warder, Grand Sentinel, and thirty District 
Deputy Grand Patrons." 

A total of seventy-seven Grand officers, seven of whom 
were elective and seventy appointive, and the usual representa- 
tives of Chapters, and all Past Patrons and Past Matrons. A 
Board of Commissioners, consisting of seven officers, was 
clothed with the authority of the Grand Chapter, except leg- 
islative, during the recess of the Grand Chapter, and was to 
meet annually in the intervening years. Reports had been se- 
cured from sixty-two Chapters, fifty-five of which had ad- 
vanced $3 each as dues. In 1876 the Grand Patron said: 

"On examining the published proceedings he found many 
things that needed alteration and amendment. Under the cir- 
cumstances he thought best not to try to do much until the 
Grand Chapter had taken further action, and thinking the ne- 
cessities of the case demanded it, he had taken the responsibil- 
ity of ordering a session of the Grand Chapter." 

Twenty-two Chapters were represented by thirty-six mem- 
bers. The communication from the Grand Chapter of Indiana 
in regard to the convention to organize a general grand body 
was read and ''Brother Willis D. Engle, of Indiana, was in- 
troduced and explained what was desired by the Grand Chap- 
ter of Indiana," after which delegates were elected to the con- 
vention, and subsequently allegiance was acknowledged to the 
General Grand Chapter. The constitution was thoroughly re- 
vised and made to conform more nearly to those of other 
Grand Chapters. The State was divided into districts and a 
Deputy Grand Patron or Deputy Grand Matron appointed for 
each. 

In the correspondence report of 1877, i" answering Brother 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 207 

Macoy's attacks on the General Grand Chapter in his report on 
correspondence to the Grand Chapter of New York, John R. 
Parson said : ''Perhaps we ought to be thankful that he did 
not declare our Grand Chapter illegal, as he did New Jersey; 
but as our Missouri Chapters paid the representatives of the 
so-called Supreme Chapter over three thousand dollars for 
their charters, we presume we are legal." 

Andrew G. Mackey was a visitor to the Grand Chapter in 
1879, and delivered an interesting address. In 1880 the 
Grand Matron arrested the charters of one hundred Chapters 
for failure to report, ninety-eight of them holding Macoy 
Charters. From 1881 to 1891 the number of Chapters rep- 
resented varied from eight to twenty-three. 

In his address in 1889 the Grand Patron said : "1 wrote 
Past Patron S. L. C. Rhodes that unless he sent me a petition 
for a Chapter he had better send a synopsis of his good deeds 
(if he had been guilty of any) to the Grand Chapter commit- 
tee on necrology, that they might prepare suitable resolutions 
on his sudden death and his untimely taking off. He at once 
notified me where I could get a petition, and he still lives. 

''I sent word to Captain Tygard (who is president of a 
National bank) that unless he sent me an application for a 
charter I would get the comptroller to send an inspector to 
examine his bank every thirty days. He immediately sent me 
a draft for $25 and seventy names. 

"I notified Judge Givan that if he did not take steps to or- 
ganize a Chapter, I would come to Harrisonville and board a 
couple of months with him while I worked the matter up. He 
telegraphed me that the matter would be ready on my arrival, 
and I would not have to stay." 

The law having been that a lady need be but sixteen years 
of age to be eligible to the degrees, the Grand Patron said : 
"While we believe Missouri girls are smarter at sixteen than 
girls in other parts of the country are at eighteen, and know 
that our young ladies at sixteen have more good sense than our 
young men at twenty-one, still as all other States require ladies 
to be eighteen years of age to be eligible to the degrees, I 
recommend that, as a matter of courtesy to other jurisdictions, 



208 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

we make our law conform to theirs." And the law was 
amended in accordance with his recommendation. 

Of the 144 Chapters chartered by Brother Macoy, only ten 
survive. Fifty dollars was contributed to the Galveston flood 
sufferers, $733 to the St. Louis fair and $500 to the relief of 
the needy in consequence of the San Francisco fire. District 
schools of instruction have been held since 1897. The Star 
Crowned Cross was rendered before the Grand Chapter in 
1 90 1, the Memorial Service in 1906 and the Pilgrims in 19 10. 
The dues are 40 cents per capita, 15 cents of which goes to the 
Home fund. 

In 1 9 10 the Grand Chapter passed resolutions amending 
the ritual in two particulars, which, of course, was not legal, 
as the General Grand Chapter has sole jurisdiction in that mat- 
ter. There were 478 members in attendance, 237 of whom 
were representatives of Chapters and 241 were Past Matrons 
or Past Patrons. The receipts were, including balance, 
$19,998; disbursements, $9,324; balance,- $10,674. Grand 
Secretary's salary, $800. 

NEBRASKA. 

Brother Macoy said that the first Chapter organized was 
at Brownsville, in January, 1872, but Queen Esther, at Ne- 
braska City, bore the number one, while Adah, at Browns- 
ville, was numbered two. The convention to organize the 
Grand Chapter met in the parlors of the Commercial Hotel, 
Lincoln, at 8 o'clock on the evening of June 22, 1875, nine of 
the twelve Chapters in the State being represented by nineteen 
delegates. Of these twelve Chapters, only two have had a 
continued existence since, Vesta No. 6, Omaha, and Electa, 
No. 8, Lincoln. Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made 
members of the Grand Chapter without the right to vote, but 
they were given that right in 1892. The Grand Chapter was 
to meet at the same time and place as the Grand Lodge, but 
this regulation was repealed in 1888. The Grand Patron was 
made the executive head of the grand body, and continued as 
such until 1888, when the Grand Matron was clothed with the 
executive powers. 

In 1876 delegates were elected to the convention that or- 
ganized the General Grand Chapter, but none of them at- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 209 

tended. That organization was recognized in 1877 ^-nd dues 
paid to it. The Grand Chapter held no meetings in 1882 and 
1883, and the proceedings for 1879, 1880, 1881 and 1884 have 
not been pubHshed. Concerning these times the Grand Patron 
said in 1885 : ''The history of our Order in this jurisdiction 
does not clamor even for synoptical recapitulation. There is 
in it little that is calculated to fill the heart with satisfaction or 
encouragement. Though a brief, it has proven a checkered 
history. The past year did not differ widely from the years 
preceding it. A few willing and faithful hearts and hands 
there are, and have been, or our beautiful star would have long 
since, so far as Nebraska is concerned, have been lost in the 
dark, dense night clouds." 

In 1889 provision was made for dividing the State into 
districts, and a sister was appointed to bear greetings to the 
Grand Lodge then in session. In 1892 a Grand Chapter of 
Sorrow was held, and this has been the practice almost every 
year since 1894. 

The Grand Chapter contributed as an ornament to the 
State building at the World's Fair a design six feet in diameter, 
the center being an immense star made entirely of glass, rep- 
resenting the Grand Chapter ; the center pentagon in crimson, 
lettered in gold leaf, and alx)ut the inscription was wrought 
a golden chain ; each point of the star was of the appropriate 
color, with proper emblems painted thereon ; surrounding this 
were the stars furnished by the subordinate Chapters. 

In 1894 Mt. Hebron Commandery, Knights Templar, acted 
as an escort to Dawson Chapter at the funeral of a sister. In 
1895 ^^'^^ Grand Chapter adopted a public service prepared by 
Helen H. Stires for the celebration of Christmas. District 
conventions were inaugurated in 1896. In 1897 a brother 
addressed the Grand Chapter upon Masonry, and ''quoted ex- 
tensively from Masonic authorities to show that women were, 
a few centuries ago, eligible to all the degrees of ancient Ma- 
sonry." 

A creditable display for the Order was made at the Trans- 
Mississippi Exposition, the Order in Nebraska contributing 
for that purpose $345.25, and the Order in other States $190. 
Relief has been extended : To cyclone suft'erers in Nebraska, 



210 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

$84; Galveston flood sufferers, $284; to the St. Louis fair, 
$115, and to the Portland fair, $56. 

The Grand Matron in 1908 prepared a series of questions 
to be answered at schools of instruction, she indicating the 
answers to the first two questions, as follows : "Who was the 
founder of our Order? Ans. Rob Morris. When and where 
was the first Eastern Star Chapter organized? Ans. Michi- 
gan, in 1866." Readers of this histor}^ will know that both 
were incorrect. 

This Grand Chapter has had more addendas exemplified 
before it than any other. Vocal Star, the Floral Work, the 
Mystic Tie, the Guiding Star and the Pilgrims have been exem- 
plified, some of them several times, while the funeral cere- 
monies have been conducted three times in lieu of memorial 
service. 

A Past Grand Matrons' Club, to meet annually, was or- 
ganized in 1909, and in 19 10 Achoth Sorority, to which only 
members of the Order are eligible, was organized at the Uni- 
versity of Nebraska. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $700. The receipts in 
1910, including balance, were $7,523; disbursements, $3,513; 
balance, $4,010. 

XEVADA. 

The General Grand Chapter chartered Friendship Chapter 
No. I at Elko November 25, 1879, but the charter was sur- 
rendered June 8, 1883. Electa Chapter No. 2 at Austin was 
chartered August 2, 1882, and subsequently two other Chapters 
were organized, and in 1894, at the request of the three active 
Chapters, they were transferred to the jurisdiction of the 
Grand Chapter of California, which erroneously assumed that 
that action transferred the territory to its jurisdiction and it 
granted charters to four additional Chapters, but in 1900 the 
]\Iost Worthy Grand Patron granted a charter to Chapter No. 
9 and in 1901 the General Grand Chapter resumed jurisdiction 
over all the Chapters and the Grand Chapter was organized at 
Reno September 19, 1905. In addition to the three votes of 
the Chapter, the Past Matrons and Past Patrons each have one 
collective vote. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 211 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $200, and the receipts, 
including balance, in 191 1 were $2,145; disbursements, $957; 
balance, $1,188. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Brother Macoy chartered four Chapters in this State, of 
which Olive Branch, at Lancaster, surrendered its charter in 
exchange for one from the General Grand Chapter May 28, 
1888, Adah, Candia, pursuing the same course in 1892. The 
convention to organize the Grand Chapter met at Lancaster 
May 12, 1 89 1, all of the six Chapters 
being represented. The constitution 
adopted made Past Matrons and Past 
Patrons members of the Grand Chap- 
ter and the Grand Matron its execu- 
tive head, and fixed the per capita 
dues at twenty-five cents per annum. 
Chapters were given one representa- 
tive each in addition to the three 
principal officers in 1895. The char- 
ter fee is twenty-five dollars, the dues twenty-five cents per 
capita; mileage is paid at the rate of five cents one way. A 
Board of Finance of three members, one elected each year to 
serve for three years, passes on all bills and allowances. The 
degrees are usually exemplified at the annual meetings, but 
the only other ceremonies given have been the Memorial Serv- 
ice and Floral Work. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $200. Receipts 1910, including 
balance, $2,441; disbursements, $1,534; balance, $906; in- 
vested, $1,411 ; total, $2,317. 

NEW JERSEY. 

The first Chapter organized was at Keyport, March 25, 
1869. The Grand Chapter was organized at Newark July 
18, 1870, by representatives of three Chapters, all there were 
in the State, and the Grand Secretary was instructed to notify 
Brothers Robert Macoy and Edward O. Jenkins of the fact. 
Of these three Chapters but one, Eureka No. 2, Elizabethport, 
survives. At an adjourned meeting, October 20, a constitu- 
tion, etc., was adopted which made the Grand Matron the pre- 




212 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 




r'rvj»"^'<i^ 



siding officer and all Past Matrons and Past Patrons members 
of the Grand Chapter. Subsequent to the organization of the 
Grand Chapter Brother Macoy issued charters for the organ- 
ization of two addition- 
al Chapters. At the 
meeting in June, 1871, 
a communication was 
received from Brother 
Macoy stating, "From 
what has transpired 
among the members of 
the Order in New Jer- 
sey toward me, I must 
decline further partici- 
pation in the affairs 
of the Order in that 
State." 

The same year a 
committee was appointed to prepare a ritual, which reported 
the striking out of the word "Supreme" in the obligation. 
Brother Macoy offered to supply ten blank charters for 
twenty-five dollars, and rituals at two dollars and two dol- 
lars and a half each. In 1873 Brother Macoy was present 
as a visitor as Grand Patron of New York, and congratulated 
the Grand Chapter on its success and the manner in which its 
business was transacted. The Grand Matron made mention 
of the organization of a Supreme Grand Body in June, 1873. 
In 1874 a communication was received from the Grand 
Chapter of New York, recognizing the Grand Chapter of New 
Jersey. Until 1875 the Grand Chapter had no star officers, 
but they were then added. The Patron's lecture, as estab- 
lished by the Grand Chapter of New York, was adopted in 
1875, and in 1876 the new (Macoy) ritual was adopted and 
the Grand Patron defended the legality of the organization of 
the Grand Chapter, which had been assailed by Brother Ma- 
coy, as chairman of the Committee on Correspondence of the 
Grand Chapter of New York. 

The Grand Chapter was represented at the organization of 
the General Grand Chapter, and at its meeting in 1878, and 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 213 

adopted its ritual. In 1880 it withdrew its acknowledgment 
of and allegiance to the general body, but a year later this 
action was rescinded and the Grand Chapter retained its con- 
nection with the General Grand Chapter until 1887, when it 
again ''permanently" withdrew its allegiance and appointed a 
committee to revise and prepare a ritual. At the next annual 
meeting the mover of the resolution, who was then Grand 
Patron, said the withdrawal was an illegal act, committed in- 
advertently, and asked that the Grand Matron declare the same 
null and void, but upon this recommendation the Grand Chap- 
ter indefinitely postponed action. The next year the same 
brother took diametrically opposite grounds, quoting from let- 
ters twelve years old to show that Rob Morris never gave his 
sanction to the General Grand Chapter, utterly oblivious of his 
acts during the last eight years of his life, and the Grand Chap- 
ter affirmed its act of withdrawal and appointed a new com- 
mittee on ritual. In 1890 the committee on ritual reported 
in favor of adopting the Macoy ritual, but the report was not 
concurred in, and it was ordered that the General Grand Chap- 
ter ritual be continued in use and a committee was appointed 
to translate it into the German language. In 1893 ^^"^^ ritual 
question again coming up, action thereon was postponed for 
two years, but one year later this action was rescinded and the 
revised General Grand Chapter ritual adopted and was in use 
until the adoption of a ritual formulated by a committee and 
adopted by the Grand Chapter in 19 10 (New Jersey Ritual), 
this being necessary in consequence of the General Grand 
Chapter in 1907 refusing to sell rituals thereafter to the Grand 
Chapter. 

In 1897 ^ committee was appointed to visit the General 
Grand Chapter at its Washington meeting in 1898, which 
reported in 1899 and action on the question was laid over for 
one year, and in 1900 it was postponed for another year when 
a motion to rejoin failed of adoption. 

In 1883 the office of Associate Grand Patron was created, 
but it was abolished in 1890 and re-established in 1902. In 
1891 it was ordered that members hailing from Minnesota 
belonging to Chapters other than those subordinate to Grand 
Chapter No. i must not be received. The twenty-fifth anni- 



214 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

versary was celebrated by a banquet at noon, September 19, 
1894. At that meeting the charter fee was reduced from 
twenty dollars to ten dollars. In 1896 a special tax of five 
cents per capita was levied, to be continued annually until 
jewels should be obtained for all Past Grand Matrons, but this 
action was rescinded the following year. 

This Grand Chapter has, perhaps, had more cases of 
"grievances" in proportion to the number of Chapters and 
members than that of any other Jurisdiction. This, together 
with her vacillating course on many subjects, and the fact that 
Chapters are not allowed to meet in Masonic halls, and that, 
like New York, they admit as visitors all Master Masons to 
Chapter meetings, may account for the slow growth of the 
Order in the State. It seems also that Masons who were not 
members have filled the Worthy Patron's chair. The Grand 
Patron in 1903 said, ''That one who was not a member of our 
Order should be permitted to confer membership therein upon 
others never appealed to me as either right or proper," but i^ 
did not, it seems, occur to him that the admission of any one 
to Chapter meetings who was not a member of the Order was 
neither right nor proper. 

The Grand Chapter was incorporated in 1908. Fifty-four 
dollars was contributed to the St. Louis Fair and $251 for 
the relief of sufferers from the San Francisco fire. The fee 
for charter was raised from ten to twenty-five dollars in 1909, 
while the minimum fee for the degrees is three dollars and 
a half. 

Mrs. Susie A. Stewart, who is the oldest living Past Grand 
Matron in the Order in point of service, has served as Grand 
Treasurer for thirty-five years, while Mrs. Mary Martin, Past 
Grand Matron, has filled the ofiice of Grand Secretary for 
twenty-six years. The proceedings show that two Past Grand 
Matrons and five Past Grand Patrons have dimitted from the 
Order. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $300, and the receipts 
in 1910, including balance, were $3,168; disbursements, 
$1,217; balance, $1,951. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 215 

NEW MEXICO. 

The first Chapter organized was Queen Esther No. i, at 
Raton, November 5, 1888, and subsequently nine other Chap- 
ters were chartered, five of which participated in the organiza- 
tion of the Grand Chapter at Albuquerque April 11, 1902, 
Mrs. Laura B. Hart, Most Worthy Grand Matron, presiding. 
All Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made permanent 
members of the body and the per capita tax fixed at fifty cents. 
The Grand Matron was clothed with all authority, even to 
delegating authority to confer the degrees, but her deputies 
were privileged to call a brother to their assistance if they so 
desired. The Grand Patron was allowed to sound the gavel 
to call the Grand Chapter to order, to preside when invited to 
do so by the Grand Matron and to give her advice. All mem- 
bers of the Grand Chapter were made eligible to any office, 
restriction as to sex only excepted. The charter fee was fiixed 
at thirty dollars and the minimum fee for the degrees at three 
dollars. The Floral Work was exemplified in 1903 and 1909. 
One hundred and thirty-six dollars was contributed to the 
San Francisco fire sufferers and eleven dollars to the St. 
Louis Fair. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $150, and the re- 
ceipts, including balance, in 19 10, were $1,975 5 disbursements, 
$1,077; balance, $898. 

NEW YORK. 

The first Chapter organized in this State was Alpha No. i, 
New York City, December 28, 1868. The Grand Chapter 
was organized in New York City November 30, 1870, by rep- 
resentatives of fourteen of the twenty Chapters, five of them 
being by proxies who were not members of the Chapters they 
represented ; a constitution was adopted which made the Grand 
Patron the executive head and all Past Matrons and Past 
Patrons members of the Grand Chapter, and required that 
proxies must be members of the Chapters they represented; 
and that ''sisters and daughters, if unmarried, must have 
attained the age of eighteen years" to be eligible to the de- 
grees. No provision was made for an address or report from 
the Grand Matron. 

In 1873 the Grand Patron reported the organization of the 



216 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Eastern Star Mutual Benefit Association, which seems to have 
survived for a number of years and then dropped out of sight. 
The Grand Patron also reported that 

"At the Masonic Fair held in this city in March and April 
last for the benefit of the hall and asylum fund, the Eastern 
Star was particularly prominent. At almost every table were 
to be found members of the Order actively employed. At the 
great Masonic Fair held in this city in 1866 for the same noble 
purpose the ladies of the Eastern Star were also numerous 
and active. Through their exertions much of the material 
aid that swelled the receipts of that enterprise to the very 
respectable sum of $50,000 may be attributed to them. Im- 
mediately after the close of that fair Alpha Chapter, then just 
organized, added from the proceeds of an entertainment and 
personal contributions the sum of $1,000." The amounts 
realized in 1873 by the Chapters aggregated $1,617. 

Rob Morris was present as a visitor in 1873 and delivered 
an address. Star officers were added to the roll of Grand 
officers. In 1874 provision was made "that in no case shall 
both the Grand Matron and Grand Patron be chosen from this 
city or the country, but one from each. This rule shall govern 
in the choice of other Grand officers." Sisters were also ex- 
empted from dependence upon the standing of the Masons 
through whom they obtained membership. The Grand Pa- 
tron reported having assisted in "the ceremonies of adoption 
and lustration, according to the rites of the Order, upon two 
lovely female children," and concerning it he said : "The per- 
sons selected, or voluntarily acting, as guardians, solemnly 
promise in behalf of the Chapter to watch over and protect 
them until they have attained mature age, or so long as they 
live and do require it, and it is in their power to do so; to 
guard them against danger and temptation; to forgive, if they 
repent; to instruct their inexperience; to reprove their faults 
and admonish them with a view to improvement, and by pre- 
cept and example teach them to be good and virtuous." 

This is all that is known of this "rite of the Order (?)." 
It is possible that Brother Macoy had an idea that it might be, 
at some future time, developed for the mutual benefit of the 
Order and himself. Concerning the burial service he said: 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 217 

"I have . . prepared a service . . and would respectfull}^ 
recommend that it be printed by the Grand Chapter for the 
use of the Order in this State . . to be suppHed to Chapters 
with or without charge, as you may deem advisable." It was 
a revision of the service incorporated in Adoptive Rite, and 
was subsequently ordered incorporated into the ritual. (Ma- 
coy's Ritual.) It had, however, been previously published in 
pamphlet form without being copyrighted. 

The Grand Chapters of California, Indiana, Massachu- 
setts, New Jersey and Vermont were formally recognized in 
1874, and Brother Macoy was presented ''several pieces of 
silver" by Eleanor Burton, in behalf of members of the Order, 
to which he pleasantly responded. 

In 1877 Brother Macoy, in the Report on Correspondence, 
vigorously attacked the General Grand Chapter and its ''so- 
called Secretary;" labored to show, what was not a fact, that 
the Grand Chapter of New York was "the parent Grand 
Chapter of the world," and gave all who differed with him, 
especially the Grand Matron of Connecticut, most severe crit- 
icism. He pronounced concerning her address : "Much of 
its sentiment, pathos and flowery exordiums are better adapted 
to the annual fourth of July celebrations than the peaceful and 
conservative session of a Grand Chapter," and, after quoting 
some "pathos," said : "Angels and ministers of grace, defend 
us ! What has this to do with the transactions of the Eastern 
Star? A few more such profuse exhilarations from this or 
any other Grand East and our Order will be the subject of 
ridicule, and, finally, disaster. She expresses a desire that 
the work should be uniform and the landmarks perfecth^ sim- 
ilar. Upon these points we say, most heartily. Amen! And 
to bring about a result so desirable we would respectfully sug- 
gest that our enthusiastic sister confine her labors to the State 
of Connecticut, where she can, as she fervently expresses, 
'make New England's sterile rocks blossom as the rose.' This 
sentiment is not in harmony with the parable of the sower, as 
uttered by our Savior: 'And some (seed) fell upon a rock, 
and soon as it sprung up it withered away, because it lacked 
moisture.' By the way, in a country where the soil is so 



218 GRAXD CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

fertile that 'sterile rocks blossom,' would not that be a first- 
class place to raise Cain ?" 

The report was referred to a committee ''to revise and 
remove all objectionable matter." In reviewing this report 
as Committee on Correspondence for the Grand Chapter of 
Indiana, Nettie Ransford said : " 'Angels and ministers of 
grace, defend us !' If this be the revised report, what must 
the original have been? . . The report is so full of abuse 
of all who happen to entertain view^s which differ from those 
of the chairman of the committee that w^e can not conceive 
how it could have been received." 

In 1879 a committee was appointed to obtain from Brother 
Macoy a copy of the degree of the Good Samaritan, "which, 
if after due examination, shall be approved by the committee, 
or a majorit}^ thereof, said committee shall be, and they are 
hereby, empowered to present the said degree to the several 
Chapters in this Jurisdiction as a second or advanced degree 
in the S3^stem of the Adoptive Rite;" but the following year 
the committee submitted an adverse report, which was 
adopted. A revised constitution was adopted which described 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter as "co-extensive with 
the geographical limits of the State," but, by a resolution 
offered by Brother Macoy, the executive officers were "author- 
ized and empowered to grant charters, on proper application, 
in all places where no Grand Chapter exists," and in pursu- 
ance of this resolution the Grand Patron, in 1880, reported 
that he had granted charters to Chapters at Bowling Green, 
Kentucky; Baltimore, Maryland, and Laramie, Wyoming, 
and he also reported the appointmient of Deputy Grand Pa- 
trons for the States of Maryland and Tennessee. 

In 1884 the degree of the Amaranth was exemplified be- 
fore the Grand Chapter; the Grand Patron reported that he 
had "received a communication from Farmersville Chapter 
No. 13, of Texas, accompanied with the sum of $24.50 for 
dues, as they were working under a charter granted from 
New York some time ago." The matter was referred to the 
Committee on Credentials and Returns, which recommended 
that the money be received, which was concurred in, but the 
committee did not state on what grounds it based its recom- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 219 ' 

mendation. This Chapter bought its charter from Brother 
Macoy, and if anybody collected dues from it, it should have 
been the Supreme Grand Chapter. It might be contended 
that, by his proposing the resolution to grant charters for 
Chapters outside of the State of New York he had voluntarily 
transferred to the Grand Chapter his self-assumed powers. 
At this meeting the Grand Matron was made the executive 
head of the Grand Chapter. 

An entertainment netting $500 was given under the aus- 
pices of the Grand Matron, April 15, 1886, for the benefit of 
the hall and asylum fund, and, in 1889, a fair was conducted 
by the Eastern Star Masonic Fair Association, for the benefit 
of the Masonic Home, which netted $2,278.01. 

In 1888 the Grand Chapter by resolution, and without 
formal charges or trial, suspended from the Grand Chapter a 
Past Matron "until such time as she returns the books and 
property of" a defunct Chapter, but the following year she 
was reinstated without having complied with the conditions. 

In 1890 the Grand Matron reported that the Grand Lec- 
turer, having used his office "to advance the Queen of the 
South in the interest of Robert Macoy, and to the injury of 
the Order," the office had been declared vacant. The Com- 
mittee on Addresses reported "the act not justifiable and with- 
out precedent," which report was adopted. The Grand Chap- 
ter ordered that "no member be permitted to hold commission 
as Grand Representative from more than one sister Grand 
Chapter," and divided the State into four districts, with a 
Deputy Grand Matron in each, but in later years the number 
of districts has been increased to forty-one. It also ordered 
that "all private or personal matters that have transpired in 
the metropolitan district that would have an injurious influ- 
ence or criticism upon the good name of our Order in this 
State" be omitted from the address of the Grand Matron, but 
subsequently the address was published under the auspices of 
the Grand Matron, and, from a perusal of it, we think the 
Grand Chapter fully justified in its action, but we cannot fail 
to note that when the Grand Chapter of Indiana previously 
took similar action resrardine the address of its Grand Matron, 



'220 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

it was severely criticised by some of those who were instru- 
mental in ''suppressing" a portion of this address. 

In 1891 a ''Commission of Appeals" was appointed, to 
"hear all grievances before presented to this Grand Chapter." 
A committee was appointed to "draft resolutions giving ex- 
pression to the grateful sense of this Grand Chapter for the 
valuable services rendered the Order by Brother Robert Ma- 
coy," which reported a set of resolutions from which we 
quote : "He has seen the labors of his hands abundantly 
blessed, and as the shades of evening gather about our brother, 
and the sunset glow sheds a halo upon his pathway, it is with 
pleasure that we place upon record this testimony of our love 
for him and our appreciation of the services he has rendered 
to the Order of the Eastern Star." 

The Grand Chapter recommended "that the obligation be 
repeated by the candidate and the room darkened from the 
time of entrance until the taking of the obligation," and that 
the candidate kneel. This had not been allowed before this, 
as the Macoy Ritual prescribed that the candidate should stand 
in front of the Associate Matron's station, and should simply 
assent to the obligation after it had been repeated to her. 
Concerning the candidate's kneeling, as first prescribed in the 
General Grand Chapter Ritual, Brother Macoy said in Critical 
and Explanatory Notes : "She is also required to kneel, which 
was not the original practice. The act in this place is inde- 
corous and unbecoming a lady. The correct position is that 
the candidate shall stand in front of the A. M., near the sta- 
tion of Esther." 

In 1892 M. Libbie Putnam was appointed "permanent 
chairman" of the Correspondence Committee, in which capac- 
ity she served three years and then resigned, the work being 
done by different committees for three years, since which the 
duties have been ably discharged by Frederick W. Putnam. 
This Grand Chapter has learned, what many Grand Chapters 
are slow to do, that in order to get the highest good from such 
reports they must be written by experienced hands, and that 
a good correspondent, once secured, should be retained for 
years, if not for life. The standing and reputation of a 
Grand Chapter in the Eastern Star world depends more upon 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 221 

its reports on correspondence than any other one thing. To 
change every year, and to appoint the retiring Grand Matron, 
as is sometimes the practice, is as absurd as was the practice, 
now happily going out of style, of appointing the Grand Ma- 
tron of a Jurisdiction the Grand Representative of other Grand 
Chapters near her own. A sister may make a very efficient 
Grand Matron and a very poor Correspondent. 

In 1894 May 30 was set apart for the annual "decorating 
with flowers and performing suitable memorial exercises over 
the graves of deceased members." The ''twenty-fifth anni- 
versary of the establishment of the Order" was celebrated in 
June, 1894, by an elaborate banquet and addresses by Brother 
Macoy and others. 

The matter of ritual has been a subject frequently before 
the Grand Body, and we give a summary of its actions. In 
1873 Robert Macoy, as Grand Patron, recommended the ap- 
pointment of a committee "looking to certain improvements 
in the ritual," and the committee appointed in pursuance of 
this resolution reported the following year, and "the ritual as 
amended and published in 1874" was adopted as the standard 
work, and five hundred copies were ordered printed and paid 
for from the funds of the Grand Chapter. 

In 1875 tbe Grand Patron said in his address: "In the 
month of November our Grand Lecturer, Brother B. T. Burn- 
ham, at my request, handed me manuscript for the completion 
of our work of initiation. . , . This I caused to be printed 
and directed the Grand Lecturer to forward copies to each 
Chapter for their use. . . . Our ritual being thus complete, 
I now recommend that a committee of five be appointed by 
this grand body, whose duty it shall be to carefully revise it, 
and that the said committee be directed to publish the same 
under the sanction of this Grand Chapter." 

The work referred to included the Patron's lecture as in 
Macoy's Ritual, and, on motion of Brother Macoy, it was 
"adopted by this Grand Chapter as the standard work of the 
Order in this State," and a committee consisting of Brothers 
Macoy and Greenwood was appointed to "revise the ritual of 
the Order." 

In relation to its report the Grand Patron said in 1876: 



222 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

''The committee have . . . given great care and incessant 
labor to their work, and received suggestions from many 
members long in the Order." 

The committee reported a revised ritual and it was 
adopted. Brother Burnham made an ineffectual motion to 
correct the ritual as reported in one particular, "to read as 
originally written," saying, 'T am unwilling to allow such an 
answer to go out before the intelligent members of the Order 
as the work recommended by B. T. Burnham, Grand Lecturer 
of 1875." 

In 1879 the ritual was amended by adding some portions 
of the General Grand Chapter ritual, and in 1880 further 
amendments were made. In 1881 it was ''Resolved, That a 
committee be appointed to consider the propriety of enlarging 
the ritual by the addition of new degrees, with power to make 
such additions if the best interests of the Order seem to require 
such action, and to take into consideration such matters con- 
nected with the ritual and harmonize any inaccuracies therein 
as may be found." 

The committee in 1882 reported quite extended alterations, 
but the report was recommitted to the committee to report the 
following year, which it did, and after an exemplification of 
the revised work the report was laid on the table for fifty 
years and the committee was discharged with thanks. It was 
also ''Resolved, That the floral addenda (of which Brother 
A. J. Burton is author) be added to and become a part of the 
ritual of this Grand Chapter." 

In 1885 further amendments were made to the ritual. In 
1888 a committee was appointed to revise the ritual, which 
reported the following year, and its report was laid on the 
table. In 1895 the Sisterhood degree, written by Brother 
Burton, was adopted as an auxiliary to the ritual. It was 
described as "founded on the ladder of Jacob, or, as it is gen- 
erally known, as the theological ladder. A lucid explanation 
of the Star in the East is also given." During 1895 the 
Grand Matron and Grand Lecturer set forth some additions 
to the ritual in a circular to the Chapters, and ordered that 
they take immediate effect. A sign of distress and motto 
accompanying it were adopted. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 223 

In 1895 a committee was appointed to arrange with the 
owners of the copyright of the ritual whereby the Grand 
Chapter could control its sale and also revise it, which reported 
in 1896 in favor of the purchase at $300, and an assessment 
of five dollars was levied on each Chapter to pay the same, 
which was promptly responded to. In 1897 it was reported 
that "since the close of the matter of purchase ... a new 
ritual . . . has been issued containing . . . the whole 
work of the Eastern Star and placed on sale." 

It was resolved that proper measures should be taken at 
once to protect the interests of the Grand Chapter, and that 
suitable papers be legally drawn up and served upon the pre- 
vious owner of the ritual and the publisher of the new work 
referred to, to restrain the further publishing and sale of the 
book, but in 1898 the committee in the matter reported that it 
''found the expense attending any legal measures would be 
greater than the Grand Chapter would be justified in incur- 
ring, and that the publication of the ritual by other parties 
was not of sufficient injury to the Grand Chapter to cause any 
uneasiness." 

Chapters were forbidden to use rituals not purchased of 
the Grand Secretary. In 1897 a committee was appointed to 
revise the ritual, which reported progress in 1898, and the 
Grand Lecturer was empowered to eliminate from the ritual 
grammatical and historical errors. The committee made final 
report in 1899 and the ritual was ordered published. (New 
York Ritual.) A resolution was adopted that the ritual 
should remain unchanged for ten 3^ears, but amendments or 
additions to it have been made almost yearly. 

Concerning the General Grand Chapter the record is as 
follows: In 1876 the communication from the Grand Chap- 
ter of Indiana, inviting the Grand Chapter to send delegates 
to the convention which organized the General Grand Chapter 
was read and ordered placed on file. 

In 1 88 1 the Grand Patron in his address having advocated 
joining the General Grand Chapter, it was 

''Resolved, That this Grand Chapter deprecates and disap- 
proves of any effort on the part of its members to establish 



224 GRAXD CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

relations of membership between this Grand Chapter and the 
organization styHng itself the General Grand Chapter." 

In 1885 the Grand Matron, evidently not being awed by 
the foregoing resolution, said, in her address : 

"Wt need but look at the reports of the various States con- 
nected with the General Grand Chapter to satisfy ourselves 
that while our own State is diminishing in numbers, every 
State enrolled with the General Grand Chapter is alive in 
interest and increasing in members. ... In my judgment 
the time is at hand when all Grand Chapters should acknowl- 
edge allegiance to the General Grand Chapter, and in doing so 
this Grand Chapter would surrender no right that it is im- 
portant that she should exercise." 

A resolution bearing on the matter was laid upon the table 
for one year, when it was unanimously resolved that the Grand 
Chapter do not join the General Grand Chapter. 

In 1897 a committee was appointed '*to take into consid- 
eration the advisability of joining the General Grand Chapter, 
or using the ritual of the same," which reported in 1898, when 
a committee was appointed to attend the meeting of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter in Washington and ''make due and care- 
ful inquiry into all matters concerning membership in the 
General Grand Chapter and as to rituals, etc., and report." 

In 1899 the committee reported at length the basis that 
had been agreed upon by the committee and the General Grand 
Chapter for the consideration of the matter, action on which 
was deferred until the following year, when the Grand Chap- 
ter took no notice of it. 

The contributions for benevolent purposes have been most 
liberal, $510 being given for the relief of Galveston flood suf- 
ferers, $100 to the St. Louis Fair and $2. 068 on account of 
the San Francisco fire. Although ^Master Masons duly 
vouched for are privileged to attend any meetings of Chap- 
ters, the Worthy Patron cannot examine such an one. After 
the General Grand Chapter discontinued supplying rituals to 
New Jersey a resolution was adopted offering to supply such 
Grand Chapter with the "Standard Ritual" (New York), 
which by at least two Grand officers was pronounced ''per- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 225 

feet" before many of the later alterations were incorporated 
in it. 

In 1896 the Grand Secretary reported $30 received for 
"charters for three new Chapters (South)." The Most 
Worthy Grand Matron did not report them issued, but in 
1897 she reported a charter issued to Golden Link Chapter 
No. 3, Goldsboro, North Carolina. In 1898 three charters 
for new Chapters were granted (location not specified) for 
$30, and in 1899 Esther Chapter No. 4 was chartered at Haw 
River, North Carolina. At that time the constitutional price 
of a dispensation was $15. The issuance of these charters 
was not noticed by the Committee on Charters, but subse- 
quently, at the request of the Grand Chapter of North Caro- 
lina, $35 was paid that body for money collected from three 
of the Chapters, but the Grand Chapter still retains the fees 
collected from the remaining five. 

Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons serving after 1904 
do not obtain permanent membership thereby in the Grand 
Chapter, but all Past Grand officers and past and present Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Matrons and past and present Assistant 
Grand Lecturers do. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $2,400, and the receipts, 
including balance, in 1910, were $31,448; disbursements, 
$22,220, and the balance, $9,228. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

Brother Macoy issued a charter for a Chapter at Kingston 
in February, 1869. The first chartered by the General Grand 
Chapter was Hope No. i, at Boone, April 15, 1882, but the 
hope was not realized and it never made a report. The second 
No. I was at Center Grove, chartered July 30, 1890, and fol- 
lowed in the footsteps of its predecessor, the oldest surviving 
Chapter being Mt. Vernon No. 2, Ore Hill, chartered April 
29, 1903. Eleven other Chapters were chartered by the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter, seven of which were active and six of 
them were represented at the organization of the Grand Chap- 
ter at Asheville, May 20, 1905. 

In 1906 a committee was appointed to visit the Grand 
Lodge to secure recognition from that body. In 1909 the 
State was divided into three districts; the Memorial Service 



226 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

was exemplified; $25 was ordered refunded to the Grand 
Chapter of New York for charter fees remitted by that body 
for two Chapters it had chartered in North CaroHna which 
the Grand Chapter was unable to revive. 

Annually contributions are made to a charity fund, which, 
including fifteen cents per capita per annum, aggregate $343. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $200, and the receipts 
in 1910, including balance, were $1,570; disbursements, $832; 
balance, $738. 

NORTH DAKOTA. 

The first Chapter was Lady Washington No. i, James- 
town, chartered by the General Grand Chapter September 7, 
1887, the second being chartered in 1892. There were thir- 
teen Chapters in the State when the Most Worthy Grand 
Patron called the convention to meet at Valley City on June 
14, 1894, to organize the Grand Chapter. There was a social, 
preliminary to the convention, which is thus recorded in the 
proceedings : 

"On Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 1894, the Grand 
Lodge of A. F. and A. M., then in session at Valley City, 
extended an invitation to the representatives of the several 
Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, who had assem- 
bled for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter, to attend 
the installation of the Grand Lodge ofiicers. Mrs. Lorraine 
J. Pitkin, Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the General 
Grand Chapter, being present, accepted an invitation to sit in 
the Grand East during the installation, this being the first time 
a lady ever received such distinguished honors at the hands of 
Masons. Mrs. Pitkin in a very impressive speech thanked the 
Grand Lodge for the courtesy extended to her. 

"A reception and banquet was given in the evening in 
honor of the ofiicers and delegates of the Grand Lodge of 
A. F. and A. M., Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and 
Order of the Eastern Star. The banquet was one worthy of 
the occasion." 

The convention was presided over by Sister Pitkin, Deputy 
of the Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most Worthy Grand 
Patron, all the thirteen Chapters being represented by forty- 
one delegates. A constitution was adopted making the Grand 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 227 

Matron the executive head and fixing the per capita dues at 
twenty-five cents per annum. The ofiicers elected were, on 
invitation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, 
installed at a joint installation in the evening. 

The Floral Work was first given before the Grand Chap- 
ter in 1895. In 1896 a floral off ering was sent to the Grand 
Royal Arch Chapter, in session in a room adjoining the Grand 
Chapter. In the year 1899- 1900 the Grand Matron success- 
fully introduced the district school of instruction system, 
under the supervision of District Deputies. In 1900 twenty- 
four persons who were members of the convention that organ- 
ized the Grand, Chapter, not otherwise members of the Grand 
Chapter, were, by resolution, made permanent members, and 
the second Sunday in September was designated as Memorial 
Day, on which each Chapter should hold a Chapter of Sorrow 
in memory of the deceased members of the Order, and in 
1902 the Memorial Service was rendered before the Grand 
Chapter. The Floral Work has been twice rendered in Grand 
Chapter and the Pilgrims and Guiding Star each once. Sev- 
eral times the members indulged in an annual banquet, the 
Grand Treasury being taxed for the deficiency. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $400, and the receipts, 
including balance, in 1910, were $4,377; disbursements, 
$1,879; balance, $2,498. 

OHIO. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Vermillion in 
March, 1869, but it did not survive. Previous to this, in 1868, 
the Grand Lodge 

''Resolved, That the said degrees, otherwise called Adopt- 
ive or Androgynous Masonry, are not legitimate Masonic 
degrees, and do not entitle the recipients thereof to any of 
the rights or benefits of Masonry ; that the conferring of said 
degree on women is calculated to deceive and mislead them, 
and is , therefore, improper. 

''Resolved, That the lodges of this Jurisdiction are forbid- 
den, under any pretense whatever, to permit their halls to be 
used for the purpose of conferring said degree." 

By authority of the Most Worthy Grand Patron, Willis 
D. Engle communicated the degrees to Dr. C. S. Chorlton in 



228 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

April, 1883, and he was made Deputy for the State, and on 
November 13, 1883, Lorrame Chapter No. i, at Columbus, 
was chartered. Pearl No. 2, Cleveland, was organized in 
December, 1886, and others rapidly followed, but Dr. Chorl- 
ton did not live to see the consummation of his desires, as he 
died May i, 1889, while the Grand Chapter was not organ- 
ized until July 24 following, in a Knights of Pythias hall in 
Cleveland, the Most Worthy Grand Patron presiding, and all 
of the five Chapters in the State being represented by thirteen 
delegates. The Grand Matron was made the executive offi- 
cer and the per capita dues fixed at twenty-five cents per 
annum. 

In 1 89 1 a committee was appointed to memorialize the 
Grand Lodge asking permission for Chapters to hold meetings 
in Masonic lodge rooms, and in 1892 it was made a standing 
committee, and the Grand Chapter made an appropriation 
covering the expenses of the chairman of the committee, who 
handed the amount over to the Ladies' Aid Society of Pearl 
Chapter, to be used in assisting to furnish a cottage at the 
Masonic Home. In 1892 the Grand Lodge decreed that 
"with the consent of the Grand Master and the unanimous 
consent of members of all Masonic bodies occupying .Masonic 
halls," their use might be granted to Chapters of the Order 
for festival and ceremonial purposes. In 1896 the Grand 
Matron said in her address to the Grand Chapter: "At the 
very beginning of the official year Grand Master Mellish 
plainly signified his intention not to allow any Chapters of the 
Order of the Eastern Star to meet in a Masonic hall. He also 
declared that those Chapters already meeting in lodge rooms 
had no legal right there, and many of our Chapters were 
ordered by him to seek quarters elsewhere." 

But in 1897 the Grand Lodge ordered that Chapters might 
meet in Masonic halls by obtaining the consent of the Ma- 
sonic bodies using the same. This opened up the way for a 
more rapid extension of the Order, which was well improved, 
as the statistics show. In 1895 the State was divided into 
districts, with a Deputy Grand Matron in each, and detailed 
reports are submitted annually as to the condition of the 
various Chapters. In 1898 Sedgwick's Monitor, for use in 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 229 

connection with stereopticon views, was indorsed. In 1899 
the Grand Chapter by a rising vote elected the superintendent 
of the Masonic Home and his wife to receive the degrees and 
proceeded to confer the same, the Sedgwick Monitor lectures 
being given by Brother Sedgwick. In 1900 the three-months- 
old baby of the Grand Secretary, ''O. E. S"hearer, was 
adopted by the Grand Chapter, but it is presumed that the 
then Grand Secretary is the official custodian. 

The Memorial Service has been rendered several times in 
Grand Chapter and all Chapters which have suffered loss by 
death were requested to render same publicly. The Floral 
Work and Mystic Tie have also been exemplified. Liberal 
contribution was made to the St. Louis Fair. In 1909 the 
Grand Secretary was instructed to purchase a coronet for the 
Grand Matron to wear during the sessions of the Grand Chap- 
ter, but a year later she reported that the designs submitted 
varied so in design and price she did not feel like making a 
decision, and she was discharged from that duty. 

The proceedings do not show detailed disbursements nor 
indicate Grand Secretary's salary. They were $7,741 in 
1 910, while the receipts, including balance, were $16,063; 
balance, $8,322. 

INDIAN TERRITORY. 

The first Chapter organized in Indian Territory was 0-ho- 
yo-hom-ma (Red Woman's) No. i, Atoka, chartered by the 
General Grand Chapter February 25, 1879, through the efforts 
of Joseph S. Murrow, Grand Master of Masons. Two years 
later An-tek Homma Chapter was organized at McAlester. 
The call for the convention to organize the Grand Chapter 
was issued by Chapter No. i, and it met at Atoka July 11, 
1889, when six of the eight Chapters in the Territory were 
represented. The Grand Matron was made the executive 
head of the Grand Chapter, the per capita dues were fixed at 
twenty-five cents per annum and allegiance was declared to 
the General Grand Chapter. 

Upon the setting off of Oklahoma Territory the question 
of jurisdiction arose between the Grand Chapter and the 
officers of the General Grand Chapter, but in 1892 the Gen- 



230 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

eral Grand Chapter decided that the Grand Chapter had juris- 
diction. 

In 1896 the Grand Secretary noted that the thermometer 
stood at 108, on August 13, when the Grand Chapter pro- 
ceeded to confer the degrees upon five candidates, residents 
of four different places where no Chapters existed, with the 
view of organizing Chapters therein, but the subsequent his- 
tory shows that Chapters were organized in only two of them. 
One of the candidates was Grand Master of Masons and the 
last chief of the Wyandotte Indians, another was the Grand 
Commander of the Knights Templar. The Grand Chapter of 
New York was declared clandestine, and all Eastern Star 
intercourse with it was prohibited, but the declaration was 
suspended during the meeting of the General Grand Chapter 
in 1898, but was again put in force in 1899. A bonus of five 
dollars was voted to any one "who will organize a Chapter." 

Carrie M. Perkins, Past Grand Matron, who served as 
Grand Secretary for six years, died in 1900. The Committee 
on Addresses in 1898 well said that ''probably to Sister Per- 
kins more than to any other one person is due the success of 
the Order in these two Territories." In 1900 memorial serv- 
ices were held by the Grand Chapter. ''While the soft throb- 
bing tones of the organ filled the room the Grand Chapter 
was called up as the Grand Conductress, Sister Madeline B. 
Conkling, and the Associate Grand Conductress, Sister Emma 
Cotton, entered bearing between them an appropriately draped 
easel on which rested the pictured, sunny face of our beloved 
Grand Secretary. Slowly, tenderly they bore it past Esther, 
whose lesson of fidelity to kindred and friends our sister had 
so fully exemplified in life, as a bereaved husband and many 
others present could testify; past Martha, whose sublime les- 
sons she was, even now, experiencing; on past Electa, whose 
teachings of charity and hospitality had ever been most gen- 
erously heeded, finally placing it in the Grand East which she 
had once so graciously filled. In faltering tones the Grand 
Matron gave the command and once again Carrie M. Perkins 
received the Grand honors from the companions who loved 
her so well." 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 231 

The Grand Patron issued a special dispensation by tele- 
phone, and the same appears in the proceedings as under seal. 

In 1900 a petition was presented by eleven Chapters in 
Oklahoma asking that the Chapters in that Territory be 
allowed to withdraw and organize a Grand Chapter, but a 
resolution to allow them to do so was laid upon the table, but 
the separation was consented to in 1901. 

In 1900 the Masonic Grand Lodge 

''Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. 
and A. M., of the Indian Territory, does most heartily indorse 
the Order known as the Order of the Eastern Star, not as a 
part of Masonry, but as a most powerful adjunct to Masonry 
in its great work, it being composed of Master Masons, their 
wives, widows, sisters and daughters, and we recommend the 
Order to all Masons." 

The Memorial Service has been rendered several times 
and the Floral Work also. The final session of the Grand 
Chapter was opened at McAlester February 9, 1909, but was 
dissolved at Guthrie the following day, the members, together 
with those of the Grand Lodge, being transported in Pullmans 
during the night, the Grand Lodge very generously appropri- 
ating $700 toward the transportation of the Grand Chapter 
members. And thus ended the Grand Chapter of the Indian 
Territory, aged twenty years. The veteran Joseph S. Mur- 
row was the prime mover in the organization of the Order in 
the Territory and helped dissolve as well as organize the 
Grand Chapter. 

OKLAHOMA TERRITORY. 

The Grand Chapter was organized at Guthrie February 14, 
1902, twenty Chapters holding charters from the Grand Chap- 
ter of Indian Territory and four from the General Grand 
Chapter, having been organized after the surrender of Okla- 
homa Territory by the Grand Chapter of Indian Territory. 
All Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made members, the 
Grand Matron being the executive head, and the annual dues 
fixed at 25 cents per capita. During the seven years of the 
existence liberal contributions were made for the Order's rep- 
resentation at the St. Louis and Portland fairs. The Me- 
morial Service and Floral Work were several times exempli- 



232 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

fied, as well as the Pilgrims once. The final adjournment took 
place on the evening of February 1 1, 1909, after which a grand 
social time was had by the members, and on the following day 
the component parts of the two Grand Chapters organized the 
Grand Chapter of 

OKLAHOMA STATE 

when 200 Chapters were represented and all necessary steps 
taken for its government, the officers being divided between the 
two former jurisdictions. The day being the centennial of the 
birth of Abraham Lincoln, a half -hour was set apart for a 
proper observance of the occasion. The State was divided 
into thirty-two districts, with Deputy Grand Matrons in each. 
Grand Secretary's salary, $600. The receipts, including bal- 
ance, in 1911 were $6,045; disbursements $3,519; balance, 
$2,526. 

ONTARIO. 

The General Grand Chapter chartered Queen Esther Chap- 
ter No. I, Toronto, March 3, 1882, and subsequently four 
other Chapters in the Province, and a Grand Chapter was 
organized in Toronto May 3, 1882, but neither the sub- 
ordinate nor the Grand Chapter long survived, and it was of- 
ficially declared dead and the General Grand Chapter resumed 
jurisdiction of the Province August 8, 1889. 

OREGON. 

Brother Macoy issued a charter for a Chapter at Oregon 
City in January, 1870, and later for three others, but none of 
them survived at the time of the organization of the Grand 
Chaper. The first Chapter chartered by the General Grand 
Chapter was Alpha No. i, at Ashland, February 24, 1880, 
William S. Moses, who was the organizer of the first Chap- 
ter on the Pacific coast, being the organizing officer. Nine 
Chapters had been organized when Roseburg Chapter No. 8 
issued the call for the convention to organize the Grand Chap- 
ter, which met at Roseburg October 3, 1889, at which six 
Chapters were represented. Of the ten Chapters then in ex- 
istence, seven survive. The constitution of the Grand Chap- 
ter of California was adopted with some emendations. It 
made all Past Matrons and Past Patrons members of the 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 233 

Grand Chapter, and provided that Chapters should elect rep- 
resentatives to act when any of the three principal officers of 
a Chapter could not attend the meeting of the Grand Chapter. 
The Grand Patron was made the executive head, and he so 
continued until 1892, when the Grand Matron succeeded to 
the executive powers; the per capita dues were fixed at 50 
cents per annum ; the State was districted, and a Deputy Grand 
Matron provided for each district, which continued until 1897, 
when the districts were abolished. The minimum fee for the 
degrees was fixed at $2.50 for ladies and $5 for gentlemen, 
but it was equalized in 1892. 

In 1892 a memorial to the Grand Lodge was adopted, in 
which it was stated: "We come to you as your mothers, 
wives, daughters, widows, sisters, sons and brothers would 
come to you, and ask that we be allowed to assist you in car- 
rying forward the grand work." To which the Grand Lodge 
responded : ''The Grand Lodge will be glad of your co-oper- 
ation in the fraternal and charitable work of the Masonic Or- 
der, and when the members of this Grand Lodge go back to 
their several homes they will endeavor to do all in their power 
toward furthering the interests of the Order of the Eastern 
Star among Masons and their families." 

Similar greetings were also exchanged in 1896. In 1894 
the Grand Chapter, by invitation, attended in a body a Lodge 
of Sorrow held by the Grand Lodge. In 1895 the Grand 
Chapter exemplified the work, the candidate being a Master 
Mason, who was thereupon declared "r member of the Grand 
Chapter of Oregon." The practice of veiling the candidate 
evidently prevailed until 1896, when, on recommendation of 
the Grand Patron, it was discontinued. A Grand Chapter of 
Sorrow was held in Portland November 7, 1897, in memory 
of Julia Abraham, Past Grand Matron, and each Chapter 
which had been called to mourn the loss of a sister or brother 
responded to the roll call with flowers and brief remarks in 
memory of the deceased, and annually since the Grand Chap- 
ter has held the same ceremony, it having been formally adopt- 
ed as the form to be used by the members of the Order when 
assembled as a Chapter of Sorrow, and the uniform code of 



234 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

by-laws adopted provided that it may be used after the death 
of any member. 

Three Chapters having sustained a heavy loss by fire, many 
of the members being left homeless, and several destitute, in 
response to an appeal by the Grand Matron, the Chapters con- 
tributed $1,359 foi" their relief. Three hundred and fifty-two 
dollars was contributed to the Galveston flood sufferers, $142 
to the St. Louis fair, $638 to the Portland fair and $820 to the 
San Francisco fire victims. Three thousand dollars' worth of 
stock was also taken by the Grand Chapter in the Portland 
Masonic Temple. The Floral Work and the Mystic Tie have 
each been rendered at the annual meetings. One unique feat- 
ure in the exchange of courtesies between the Grand Chapter 
and the Grand Lodge of Masons, their meetings being con- 
temporaneous.- Each body appoints a committee to convey its 
compliments to the other, the committee of the Grand Chapter 
being frequently headed by a sister. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $600, and in 1911 the 
receipts, including balance, were $10,551; disbursements, 
$4,028 ; balance, $6,473. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Brother Macoy chartered three Chapters in this State, the 
first being at Northumberland, in January, 1869, but none of 
them survived. The first Chapter chartered by the General 
Grand Chapter was Wyoming No. i, Pittston, on November 
II, 1887, it being instituted by the Rev. D. W. Coxe, Past 
Grand Patron of Kansas. The convention to organize the 
Grand Chapter was called by the Most Worthy Grand Patron, 
and met in Scranton November 21, 1894, all of the five Chap- 
ters being represented, and Mary.C. Snedden, Most Worthy 
Grand Matron, presided. The constitution adopted made Past 
Matrons and Past Patrons members of the Grand Chapter, 
and the Grand Matron its executive head, and fixed the per 
capita dues at 25 cents per annum. In 1898 the Grand Matron 
decided, in accordance with the constitution, that a member of 
the Order in good standing could act as proxy in Grand Chap- 
ter for any Chapter in the State, which decision the Grand 
Chapter overruled, but a year later it acknowledged its error, 
adopted a resolution of apology and changed the law so as to 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 235 

require a proxy to be a Past Matron or Patron and member 
of the Chapter represented. In 1899 the annual meeting was 
changed from November, 1900, to January, 1901, so that there 
was no meeting in 1900. 

Contributions aggregating $100 were made toward the 
St. Louis and Portland fairs. In 1908 the State was divided 
into four districts, with a Deputy Grand Matron in each. 

The Order in this State is somewhat handicapped by the 
attitude taken by the Grand Lodge, forbidding it the use of 
Masonic halls, but in spite of that it is making satisfactory 
progress and will, no doubt, some day, overcome the opposi- 
tion, as the Order has in almost every State. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $600, and in 19 10 the 
receipts, including balance, were $5,009; disbursements, 
$2,428; balance, $2,581. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Providence Chapter No. i was chartered by the General 
Grand Chapter December 3, 1890, and on the call of the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter officers the convention to organize the 
Grand Chapter met in Providence August 22, 1895, all the 
five Chapters in the State being represented. Mary C. Sned- 
den, Most Worthy Grand Matron, presided, and a number of 
other distinguished visitors, who were on their way to Bos- 
ton to attend the meeting of the General Grand Chapter, were 
present. Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made mem- 
bers of the Grand Chapter, and the Grand Matron its presid- 
ing officer. The per capita dues were fixed at 25 cents per 
annum. This is one of two Grand Chapters that do not re- 
quire representatives of five Chapters to constitute a quorum, 
the law reading: "Representatives of a majority of the Chap- 
ters, or a majority of the members of the Grand Chapter shall 
constitute a quorum." Under this law the Grand Chapter as- 
sembled in 1896 with fifteen Grand officers, five Past Grand 
officers from two Chapters and representatives of two Chap- 
ters. 

In 1904 the Grand Chapter formally protested against the 
action of some Grand Chapters in placing the square and com- 
pass on the altar and admitting step-daughters into the Order, 
and in 1910 the number of rituals was limited to five for each 



236 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Chapter, and the same must be the property of the Chapter. 
One hundred and three dollars was contributed to the Gal- 
veston flood suffeiers. 

The coat of arms of this Grand Chapter, which is here- 
with illustrated, and which is incorporated in its seal, em- 
braces the arms of ancient craft Masonry and the arms of the 



State of Rhode Island, thus indicating by what authority it 
exists — through the fraternity and the State. The star of 
the Order also appears, while the shield is supported by figures 
representing Ruth and Electa, Esther's crown and scepter ap- 
pearing above it. The motto may be translated: "What 
brighter stars?" 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $50, and the receipts 
in 1910, including balance, were $732; disbursements, $373; 
balance, $359. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Charleston in April, 
1873. Gate City No. i, at Florence, chartered by the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter March 31, 1893, surrendered its charter 
February 25, 1898. Thirteen other Chapters were chartered 
by that body, only six of the fourteen surviving until the or- 
ganization of the Grand Chapter, at Greenwood, June i, 1907, 
the oldest being Greenwood No. 4, chartered April 26, 1897. 
Four Chapters were represented by eleven persons, seven of 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 237 

them being members of- the local Chapter, and nine of the 
eighteen officers chosen hailed from the same Chapter. The 
by-laws adopted required that representatives from not less 
than five Chapters must be present to form a quorum. Past 
Matrons and Past Patrons were made members, and it was 
specified that only a brother could be a proxy for a Worthy 
Patron. The annual dues were fixed at 50 cents per capita, 
10 cents of which was set apart as a charity fund. The Grand 
Matron issued a letter to the Masonic lodges in the State 
which bore the approval of the Grand Master and Grand Sec- 
retary, which bore abundant fruit. In 1908 the Grand Mas- 
ter of Masons, who was not a member of the Order, wrote to 
every Grand Secretary of Masons in the United States and 
Canada to gain information in regard to it, and his conclusion, 
as given to the Grand Lodge, was : 'Tn view of the reports 
received from every State in the American Union, I strongly 
recommend this Order to your most earnest consideration." 

In 1909 the State was divided into eighteen districts with 
a Deputy in each. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $100, and the receipts, 
including balance, in 191 1 were $1,840; disbursements, $967; 
balance, $873. 

SOUTH DAKOTA. 

Brother Macoy granted a charter for a Chapter at Ver- 
million in July, 1871, but it did not survive. The first Chap- 
ter chartered by the General 
Grand Chapter was Queen Es- 
ther No. I, at Mitchell, Febru- 
ary 4, 1882, but before the con- 
vention met to organize the 
Grand Chapter this Chapter 
and Black Hills No. 2, Rapid 
City, had become dormant, and 
Evergreen No. 3, Madison, 
surrendered its charter in Feb- 
ruary, 1889. The call for the 
convention was issued by Ves- 
ta Chapter No. 4, Watertown, and it met at Watertown July 
10, 1889, the six active Chapters being represented, all of 




238 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

which survive. By the constitution adopted the Grand Matron 
was made the executive head of the Grand Chapter, the per 
capita dues were fixed at 25 cents per annum, and a special 
assessment of 50 cents per capita was levied. 

The constitution as amended in 1891 made the first six 
elective officers of any Grand Chapter under the jurisdiction 
of the General Grand Chapter who affiliated with any Chapter 
in South Dakota permanent members of the Grand Chapter. 
In 1895 the Grand Matron issued an appeal for the relief of 
the widow of a Master Mason of one of the South Dakota 
lodges, and the Chapters responded to the extent of $77.50, 
and the Grand Chapter appropriated $50 for the same object. 
The Floral Work was recommended for the use of subordinate 
Chapters in 1896, and district conventions were inaugurated in 
1898. The Vocal Star was rendered *'in a manner beyond 
criticism" at the annual meeting in 1898, and the Mystic Tie 
was presented in 19 10. 

The Grand Chapter, by invitation, attended the banquet 
given the Grand Lodge by St. John's Lodge No. i, of York- 
ton, at the celebration of its quarto-centennial, June 13, 1899, 
and one of the regular features every year is the exchange of 
congratulations and good wishes between the Grand Chapter 
and the Grand Lodge. 

A Past Grand Matron and Past Grand Patrons' Associa- 
tion was organized in 1907, which meets annually the same 
week as the Grand Chopter. The Memorial Service is ren- 
dered at each meeting. Philip Lawrence bears the title of 
Poet Laureate of the Grand Chapter. The Galveston flood 
sufferers were relieved to the amount of $226, while $152 was 
contributed to the St. Louis and Portland fairs. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $500, and in 191 1 the 
receipts, including balance, were $5,276; disbursements, 
$2,512; balance, $2,764. 

TENNESSEE. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Nashville in 1874, 
and subsequently two others in the State, but none of them 
survived. The first Chapter chartered by the General Grand 
Chapter was Esther No. i, at Gladdice, April 30, 1880, and 
Chapters were chartered at Galliher's Mills and Fayetteville 



GRAND CHAPTER fflSTORIES. 



239 



in 1880 and 1881, but all of them became dormant, so that 
when a Chapter was organized in March, 1893, at East Nash- 
ville, it was given the number i, and subsequently the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter chartered ten other Chapters, but only six 
survived and participated in the organization of the Grand 
Chapter at Nashville, October 18, 1900. Past Matrons and 
Past Patrons were made members, and, together with Asso- 
ciate Matrons, were made elegible to any office in the Grand 
Chapter. The dues were fixed at 25 cents per capita. By 
an amendment adopted in 1901 the Grand Chapter was em- 
powered to elect and initiate candidates living at points re- 
mote from any Chapter, they becoming members-at-large. 
The salary of the Grand Secretary is $500, and in 191 1 the 
receipts, including balance, were $2,914; disbursements, 
$1,966; balance, $948. 

TEXAS. 

The Order is said to have been introduced into this State 
in 1870, and five charters sold therein by Brother Macoy. 

The first Chapter chartered 
by the General Grand Chap- 
ter was Friendship No. i, 
Dallas, June 22, 1877, which 
was organized July 24. 
Twelve other Chapters were 
chartered up to May 22, 
1884. The call for the con- 
vention to organize the 
Grand Chapter was issued 
by members of Fort Worth 
Chapter No. 8, and it met 
in Fort Worth May 5, 1884, 
when four Chapters were represented, and the organization of 
a Grand Chapter was proceeded with, but it was not recognized 
by the General Grand Chapter until July 20, when the action of 
the convention had been endorsed by an additional Chapter. El- 
mira Foley, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, was present 
and rendered valuable assistance. The Grand Chapter mem- 
bership was made to include not only Past Matrons and Past 
Patrons, but Past Associate Matrons also. A bare quorum 




240 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

was present in 1888. Concerning the condition of the Grand 
Chapter in 1889, the incoming Grand Secretary said: "The 
committee on foreign correspondence of the Grand Chapter 
of Indiana in its review of the printed proceedings of the sixth 
annual meeting of the Grand Chapter for 1888 says : 'No 
money appears to have been paid to the Grand Treasurer; no 
statistics given, and proceedings indicate that the affairs of 
the Grand Chapter are in a chaotic condition.' If this ap- 
peared to be the condition of our Grand Chapter in 1888, it 
was certainly in a much worse condition in 1889, when but 
six Chapters were represented and but two of the Grand Of- 
ficers were present, even the Grand Secretary being absent, 
and only a skeleton report was submitted by him, with no sta- 
tistics whatever. . . . The late Grand Secretary did not 
furnish even the addresses of Secretaries of live Chapters. 
We had to find out what we could and stumble along as best 
we could in the dark, until by main strength we forced our 
way to the light." 

The finance committee found $140.55 due from the Grand 
Secretary, and that 

''With sixty out of ninety odd Chapters, there is no entry 
whatever, not a debit nor a credit, nothing to say if chartered 
or not, or if demised or not; nothing but blank pages. 
. . . Your committee finds it utterly impossible to report 
upon the standing of the several Chapters, and as to their in- 
debtedness." 

But the condition was bravely faced, and effective steps 
tiiken to put the Order on a firmer foundation. The Floral 
Work and the Chapter of Sorrow, by Addie C. S. Engle, were 
adopted for the use of subordinate Chapters. In 1891 Grand 
Chapter No. i, of Minnesota, was recognized "as the only legal 
Grand Chapter, and all communication forbidden with the pre- 
tended Grand Chapter No. 2, or with any subordinate Chap- 
ter or individuals working under the pretended jurisdiction of 
that illegal body." 

In 1892, July 31, the day of Rob Morris' death, was desig- 
nated as memorial day; the State was divided into fifty-five 
districts, but the number was reduced to ten in 1896. The 
Grand Chapter made the experiment of allowing $13 to any 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 241 

Deputy organizing a Chapter, the result of which was stated 
by the Grand Matron in 1893 : "Careful investigation shows 
that in many cases undue influence has been brought to bear 
upon a community of Masons to organize a Chapter. Often 
a charter and a few rituals had been sold them, an exorbitant 
fee charged for organizing, and the so-called Grand officer 
had gone on his way rejoicing. There was no exemplification 
of the work and no careful, conscientious explanation of the 
beauties of its teachings which appeal so strongly to the sym- 
pathetic soul of woman. Small wonder, is it not, that grim 
death followed in the footsteps of such official (officious) 
work?" 

In 1894 all copies of the secret work were ordered called 
in, the delegates to the Grand Chapter to be instructed in same 
by the ''committee of the work." In 1899 the committee re- 
ported that seventy-five persons had been insructed in the 
secret work during the meeting. The Grand Matron was 
made the executive head in 1895, and a test oath was adopted; 
the General Grand Chapter was memorialized to publish a 
monitor of the work and the secret work separately. In 1896 
$75 was appropriated for the relief of a Past Grand Patron, 
$100 in 1897, $125 in 1898, and $95 was contributed by per- 
sonal subscriptions for the same purpose. In 1897 the Grand 
Secretary was ordered to issue a circular to all Chapters and 
lodges warning them against ''Masonic pirates," who were 
communicating the degrees without authority. 

In 1898 it was ^^ Resolved, That in future this Grand 
Chapter will not accept or attend any banquet given by the 
subordinate Chapter in the city where the annual convocation 
is held." 

Notwithstanding this, the Grand Chapter attended and par- 
took of "an elegant lunch" served by the local Chapter at its 
convocation in 1899. 

The Galveston flood of September 8, while it took but three 
members of the Order, brought distress upon many others, 
and the need of assistance was promptly recognized by mem- 
bers of the Order generally. The Grand officers were prompt 
and efficient in meeting the emergency, issuing appeals both to 
the Chapters of Texas and to the various Grand Chapters, 



242 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

which were responded to liberally, the total contributions from 
the Order being $9,400. 

They have a committee on work which examines appli- 
cants in the secret work and grants them certificates of pro- 
ficiency at each meeting of the Grand Chapter, the number 
sometimes reaching 350. Copies of the secret work are only 
given to this committee, to four Grand officers and the Dis- 
trict Deputies. The Grand Matron grants dispensations for 
Chapters and is empowered by the constitution to administer 
the obligation. At various times the Mystic Tie has been ren- 
dered, and during the meetings the local Chapters have given 
King Solomon's Secret and Female Masonry for the entertain- 
ment of the delegates. 

The Texas Past Grand O. E. S. 'Association was organ- 
ized in 1908, which meets annually, and in 1910 a unique cere- 
mony was given by the Grand Representatives, each of whom 
responded for the jurisdiction represented. Liberal contribu- 
tions were made to the San Francisco sufferers and the St. 
Louis fair. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is on a percentage basis, and 
was $1,292 in 191 1, while the receipts, including balance, were 
$25,732; disbursements, $14,663; balance, $11,739. 

UTAH. 

Lynds Chapter No. i, Salt Lake City, chartered June 6, 
1892, was the first organized in this domain of Mormonism, 
and four other Chapters were started before the organization 
of the Grand Chapter at Salt Lake City, September 20, 1905, 
the fifth Chapter being constituted the same day. All Chap- 
ters were represented, there being fifty members present. The 
annual dues were fixed at 50 cents per capita, but raised in 
1908 to 75 cents. Each Chapter was given three votes, to 
be cast by the three principal officers, and two additional col- 
lective votes, to be cast by the Past Matrons and Past Patrons. 
The Chapter of Sorrow was rendered in 1906 and 1909, the 
Vocal Star in 1909 and the Atwood Memorial in 191 1. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $200, and the receipts, in- 
cluding balance, in 191 1 were $1,346; disbursements, $710;: 
balance, $636. 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 



243 




VERMONT. 

The first Chapter was Mt. Anthony No. i, Bennington, or- 
ganized December 21, 1869. The call for the convention to or- 
ganize the Grand Chapter was 
issued by Electa Chapter No. 
6, Brandon, and the convention 
was held at Brandon, Novem- 
ber 12, 1873, five of the six 
Chapters in the State being 
represented, one by a proxy not 
a member of the Chapter rep- 
resented. The constitution of 
the Grand Chapter of New 
York was adopted with neces- 
sary changes. 

In 1875 a committee was appointed "to prepare a uniform 
work and lectures to be used in this State," which reported in 
1876, "recommending that used in the State of New York" 
(Adoptive Rite), and the recommendation was concurred in, 
and one hundred copies ordered to be procured, but in 1877 
the Grand Patron reported that the committee, on going to 
New York, "came back with a copy of a new ritual (Macoy's 
Ritual), published by authority of the Grand Chapter of New 
York," and the same was adopted. 

In 1879 it was ''Resolved, That a committee of three be 
appointed to take into consideration the propriety of revising 
our ritual, and to recommend such work, as in their judgment, 
is best calculated to promote the good of the Order." 

This committee reported in 1880 that "Both the Macoy 
ritual and that of the General Grand Chapter possess merits, 
and we deem the matter of too much importance to decide 
upon a recommendation." And it was ''Resolved, That the 
matter be postponed until the next convocation, and that sub- 
ordinate Chapters instruct their representatives as to their 
wishes." 

In 1 88 1 a motion to adopt the General Grand Chapter ritual 
was not concurred in. In 1888, it being found that the Queen 
of the South ritual was contained in the only Macoy rituals 
that could be obtained, the use of any ritual or degree not for- 



244 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

mally adopted by this Grand Chapter was interdicted, and 
"The Grand Secretary was instructed to request Brother Ma- 
coy, the pubHsher of our ritual, not to sell rituals in this Grand 
Jurisdiction unless the requisition has the impression seal of 
this Grand Chapter or one of its subordinates." 

In 1 89 1 the Grand Patron said: "I feel that the time has 
come for this grand body to have a ritual of its own, and I 
would therefore recommend that a committee be appointed to 
prepare and present a ritual for use in this Jurisdiction." 

But the matter was "dropped until the financial condition 
of the Grand Chapter will warrant further action." In 1892 
the Grand Secretary called attention to the fact that the only 
(Macoy) rituals obtainable contained the Amaranth degree, 
and were "publicly sold in book stores as the original and 
only Eastern Star manual," and a committee was appointed 
"With full power to make an arrangement for the printing 
of a ritual for this Jurisdiction, separate and distinct from 
the spurious Orders or degrees, and if unable to make such 
arrangement, that they have authority to prepare and print 
a ritual for the use of this Jurisdiction." 

In 1893 this committee's report was adopted as follows: 
"We recommend that if suitable and satisfactory arrange- 
ments can be made with the General Grand Chapter, that pur- 
chases of rituals for all new Chapters be made from the Gen- 
eral Grand Chapter; that permission be granted to any Chap- 
ter to substitute the General Grand Chapter ritual for the 
Macoy, and that until some definite action as to the adoption 
of a ritual by this Grand Chapter other than the one hereto- 
fore adopted, any of the Chapters within this Jurisdiction may 
use either the Macoy or General Grand Chapter ritual as they 
may determine, or may use the ritual of the General Grand 
Chapter, except as to the history of the five degrees, and, as 
to that, may, if they desire, substitute our present ritual." 

The permissive use of either ritual continued until 1902, 
when the General Grand Chapter ritual was adopted and the 
Grand Chapter became an integral part of the general body. 
The State is divided into nine districts, with Deputies in each. 

Star officers were first appointed in the Grand Chapter in 
1891, and in 1895 it was "made compulsory on the Deputies 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 245 

in the several districts to appoint a district convention to be 
held with some Chapter in the district once a year." 

In 1900 the Mystic Tie was given before the Grand Chap- 
ter by Coral Chapter, concerning which the Grand Chapter 
proceedings say: "The Mystic Tie is drawn upon lines Ma- 
sonic, and in this characteristic is quite different from the 
other addenda common to the Order. The literary and sym- 
bolic values of the exercise are exceptionally perfect, as one 
might suppose who was acquainted with the author, but it 
appeals more to the Masonic sense than to Eastern Star sen- 
timent, and therefore has not been as well received in Ver- 
mont as was the Pilgrims. It is, however, a very difficult de- 
gree to present, and on this occasion was given in a most 
creditable manner." 

In 1907 the Grand Lodge of Masons passed an order al- 
lowing Chapters to meet in Masonic lodge rooms, provided the 
lodge concerned assented thereto, and in 1909 the Grand 
Chapter ruled that ''no member can lawfully have anything to 
do with either" the White Shrine or the Amaranth. The Pil- 
grims was exemplified in 1906 and the Mystic Tie in 1905. 

This Grand Chapter is peculiar in that the Grand Patron 
and Grand Matron are co-ordinate in power in many things, 
including presiding in the Grand Chapter, and should they fail 
to agree on any co-ordinate points, the matter must be sub- 
mitted to the Grand Chapter for decision. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $500, and in 191 1 the 
receipts, including balance, were $7,839; disbursements, 
$1,713; balance, $6,026. 

VIRGINIA. 

Brother Macoy issued a charter for a Chapter at Ports- 
mouth in January, 1872. The first chartered by the General 
Grand Chapter was Alpha No. i, at Woodstock, March 13, 
1896, which became dormant in 1899, the oldest surviving 
Chapter being Alpha No. 2, at Petersburg, chartered March 
30, 1896. The General Grand Chapter organized fourteen 
Chapters, only nine of which survived, six of which were rep- 
resented at the organization of the Grand Chapter at Rich- 
mond, June 22, 1904. Past Matrons and Past Patrons were 
made members and the dues fixed at 25 cents per capita, but 



246 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

were raised, in 1906, to 50 cents. A column in the cavern 
at Luray was formally named Madeline B. Conkling by the 
Grand Matron in 1908, and in 1909 a traveling representative 
was authorized to visit points where no Chapters were located, 
in the interest of extending the work and influence of the 
Order. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $75, and the receipts, in- 
cluding balance, in 1910 were $1,153; disbursements, $562; 
balance, $591. 

WASHINGTON. 

Brother Macoy chartered a Chapter at Vancouver in De- 
cember, 1869, but the first Chapter under the authority of the 
General Grand Chapter was organized at Goldendale as Ever- 
green No. I, November 12, 1881. The call for the conven- 
tion to organize the Grand Chapter was issued by Fern Chap- 
ter No. 7, Tacoma, and the convention met at Port Townsend, 
June II, 1888, with all the eight Chapters represented, of 
which six still survive. The constitution and laws of the 
Grand Chapter of Iowa were adopted, with necessary changes. 
It made Past Patrons and Past Matrons members of the Grand 
Chapter, and the Grand Patron its executive head, but the 
Grand Matron was given the executive powers in 1890. 

The Grand Chapter, by invitation of the Grand Lodge, at- 
tended the ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the Ma- 
sonic Hall at Ellensburg, June 10, 1890. In 1897 the Grand 
Chapter provided for a permanent committee of three, "who 
shall exhibit and explain the signs at this and each succeeding 
communication of this Grand Chapter, and that the signs as 
exhibited by said committee shall be the adopted signs in this 
Jurisdiction." 

In 1898 the Grand Matron reported having granted a 
dispensation to a Chapter to confer the degrees outside the 
Chapter room, and at Steptoe Butte, and to remove the char- 
ter for that purpose, but the Grand Chapter decided that the 
Grand Matron had no authority to grant a dispensation to a 
Chapter to hold a meeting outside the town or city specified in 
its charter, or to authorize a Chapter to hold its meeting within 
the territorial jurisdiction of another Chapter. The Grand 
Chapter also declared : "We do not see the necessity for mak- 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 247 

ing any change in the ritual. We beHeve the ritual should re- 
main forever unchanged. . . . The secret work of the 
Order should never be printed by the General Grand Chapter 
except in cipher." 

Concerning the exemplification of the work before the 
Grand Chapter in 1899, by Electa Chapter No. 20, of Spokane, 
the record says : "Truly this is a wonderful country of mag- 
nificent distances easily overcome, when a full corps of officers 
was willing to travel over four hundred miles to exemplify the 
work before the Grand Chapter. The same Chapter repeated 
the journey in 1907. 

In 1899 the Grand Chapter also declared: "The Grand 
Chapter of Washington has never authorized any one to rep- 
resent it in the General Grand Chapter, and under its consti- 
tution could not consistently do so, and any person from this 
State who is admitted to a seat in the General Grand Chapter 
must act in his or her individual capacity, and not as a repre- 
sentative of this Grand Chapter." And in 1900 the inde- 
pendence of the Grand Chapter was set forth in a declaration 
which was laid over one year, when the connection with the 
General Grand Chapter was severed. 

The Grand Chapter abolished the Grand Representative 
system. It would be difficult for any one to demonstrate that 
the Order has been in any way benefited by it, and the Grand 
Chapter of Washington did not materially suffer by doing 
away with it during the years of its independence. The 
changes made in the ritual by the General Grand Chapter were 
not recognized until action had been taken on them by the 
Grand Chapter. In 1906, by a unanimous vote, its connection 
with the general body was resumed, and now there is no more 
loyal Jurisdiction in that body. However, criticising the adop- 
tion of the new constitution at Milwaukee, the Grand Chapter 
in 1909 adopted a report which said: "The new constitution 
of the General Grand Chapter is the creature of craft, and a 
cunning design to usurp in the hands of one person autocratic 
power; with the passing of this influence the scheme will die 
out, for it is not likely that any one in this generation will 
ever attempt the like again," and reaffirmed that the authority 



248 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

of the general body was confined to the landmarks and ritual- 
istic work. 

In the State of Washington a Master Mason can not be 
suspended from all the rights and privileges of Masonry for 
non-payment of dues, but is suspended from lodge privileges 
only. But if the sentence for non-payment of dues under the 
laws of a Grand Lodge in another State is suspension from 
all the rights and privileges of Masonry, one so suspended is 
not in good standing in that State, nor in the State of Wash- 
ington, and hence is not an eligible petitioner for the degrees 
of the Order, and during the years of its separation from the 
General Grand Chapter Masons dropped from the roll and 
dimitted Masons as well, and their female relatives were held 
eligible to the degrees, but since that time their practice has 
conformed to the usages of the Order, but in 1911 a memorial 
was addressed to the General Grand Chapter asking that the 
law be changed so that dimission from a lodge shall not affect 
the standing of one otherwise eligible. 

In 1907 the dues were raised to 45 cents per capita, 10 
cents of which goes to the Home fund. On different occasions 
the various addenda have been exemplified before the Grand 
Chapter, and the Memorial Service frequently rendered. 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $1,000, and the re- 
ceipts, including balance, in 191 1 were $12,171 ; disbursements, 
$3,630; balance, $8,534. 

WEST VIRGINIA. 

Miriam No. i. Wheeling, was chartered April 20, 1892, 
and nine other Chapters were chartered by the General Grand 
Chapter, eight of which survived until the organization of the 
Grand Chapter, at Wheeling, June 28, 1904, five of them be- 
ing represented. The Grand Matron was made the presiding 
officer and all Past Matrons and Past Patrons were made mem- 
bers. The dues were fixed at 25 cents per capita, but were 
raised to 35 cents in 1906. Since 1905 any one who organ- 
ized a Chapter has been paid a commission of $7.50. In 1909 
the State was divided into five districts and a Grand Lecturer 
was added to the fist of officers in 1911. Both the Memorial 
Service and the Floral Work have been exemplified before the 
Grand Chapter. 



GRAKD CHAPTER HISTORIES. 249 

The salary of the Grand Secretary is $ioo, and in 191 1 
the receipts, including balance, were $3,670; disbursements, 
$1,414; balance, $2,250. 

WISCONSIN. 

The following is from the annual address of J. P. C. Cot- 
trill, Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, to the Grand 
Lodge in 1875, the recommendations of which were unani- 
mously adopted by that body: 

"In July, 1874, the Masters of several of the subordinates 
applied to me by letter for advice and directions, stating that 
they had received printed circulars addressed to their lodges 
from a person, whose name I omit here, as he has since died, 
notifying them that he would visit their lodges on certain days 
designated, in order to organize what he termed Chapters of 
the Eastern Star. I gave the matter immediate attention and 
thorough investigation. I found that an organization under 
a somewhat different name had existed and had been tolerated 
by the Grand Orient of France during the last century, but 
that it had decayed and died there. In somewhat different 
shape it appeared to have been revived in this country, and 
the effort was to import it into this Jurisdiction, in order that 
its projector might put money in his purse. A personal in- 
terview with him brought from him the open — and, as it 
seemed to me, the dishonest — avowal that his object in dis- 
seminating it was to enable him the better and more conven- 
iently to sell books, etc., that he was engaged in retailing. He 
stated that he cared nothing for it, but that meeting the breth- 
ren assembled together in one place and at their lodge rooms 
to hear him lecture and receive this new Order, he was enabled 
thereby to sell his wares more conveniently, and that he was 
thus saved the time and trouble of calling on each one sep- 
arately. In short his object at the bottom was to sell his 
goods, to spend his evenings pleasantly at the profit to himself 
of $30 for each charter granted, which charter signed in blank 
he carried with him; and this he proposed to do in the name 
of and as an attachment or appendage of Freemasonry. I at 
once stated to him that his project could have from me only 
disapproval and discountenance; that I believe the sentiment 
of the Grand Lodge was against any such concern, and that 



250 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

our constitution and standing regulations positively prohibited 
it. He assured me that he would abandon the business in this 
Jurisdiction, but, feeling no especial confidence in any prom- 
ises made by any man so unworthy as I was satisfied he was, 
I caused a circular to be issued to all subordinates calling their 
attention to the fact that by the constitution the conferring of 
honorary or side degrees in any lodge is entirely forbidden." 

The above shows from contemporary records the manner 
and purpose of propagating the Order under the auspices of 
the Supreme Grand Chapter, by at least some of its Deputies. 
At the time of this action the writer took occasion in his com- 
munications to the Masonic press to endorse the action of the 
Grand Master of Wisconsin, as he then believed and still be- 
lieves that such a mode of extending the Order was more 
hurtful than helpful. This action of the Grand Lodge effec- 
tually barred the Order from the State until it had conquered 
many of the ill effects of the professional charter peddler, so 
that when, in 1890, the Grand Lodge adopted the report of its 
committee, which follows, the Order had virgin soil in which 
to be planted, and the history of the Grand Chapter fully dem- 
onstrates that the Order owes a debt of gratitude to Brother 
Cottrill. 

''Your committee, to whom was referred such of the Grand 
Master's address as related to the Order of the Eastern Star, 
begs leave to report : Your committee recommends that in all 
cases when the Grand Master shall deem it expedient to grant 
dispensations to enable the Order of the Eastern Star to hold 
its Chapter in a Masonic lodge room, that such dispensation be 
granted without charge." 

And without exception, when a Chapter has asked the 
privilege of meeting in a Masonic lodge room, the dispensation 
has been granted. 

The first Chapter chartered was Honor No. i, Sturgeon 
Bay, July 10, 1890, and nine others were organized in the next 
seven months. The call for the convention to meet in Mil- 
waukee February 19, 1891, was issued by the three principal 
officers of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2. The ten Chapters then 
organized had a membership of 605, and eight of them were 
represented in the convention by twenty-two delegates. The 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 251 

constitution adopted made Past Matrons and Past Patrons 
members of the Grand Chapter, and the Grand Matron its 
executive head, and fixed the per capita dues at 25 cents per 
annum. 

In the first year the number of Chapters increased to twen- 
ty-nine. In 1892, June 24 was designated as Eastern Star 
recreation day. In 1894 the State was divided into districts, 
and district Chapters held in each. The Floral Work was first 
rendered before the Grand Chapter in 1895. In 1897 the con- 
stitution was changed so that no Past Matron nor Past Patron, 
except those already members, acquired membership in the 
Grand Chapter by reason of their past honors. 

An incident of more than ordinary interest was the pre- 
sentation to the Grand Chapter of a beautiful silk national 
flag by some of the Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand 
Patrons at the meeting in 1898. In response to an appeal is- 
sued by the Grand Matron in 1898, the Chapters contributed 
$234.60 to provide a home for an aged widow of a Master 
Mason, and when she died in 1899 the balance of her funeral 
expenses was paid by the Grand Chapter, and for several years 
the Grand Chapter has annually appropriated $50 for the re- 
lief of a sister. 

In 1899 the Vocal Star was rendered before the Grand 
Chapter in a most impressive manner by Bloomington Chapter. 
A special per capita assessment of 5 cents was levied in 1900, 
and the dues were subsequently raised to 30 cents. In 1899 
the town of New Richmond being almost entirely destroyed 
by a tornado, the Grand Matron issued an appeal for the re- 
lief of members of the Order suffering therefrom, to which 
the Chapters responded to the amount of $1,192.76 in cash, 
besides other contributions. 

In 1904 the State was divided into ten districts, but these 
were abolished and a salaried Grand Lecturer substituted in 
1908. One hundred dollars was contributed toward the St. 
Louis fair, and the General Grand Chapter was most delight- 
fully entertained in 1907 at a cost to the Grand Chapter of 
$1,431. In 1909 it was determined to continue the taking up 
of a password at the opening of Chapters. Among the ad- 
dendas rendered before the Grand Chapter have been the Floral 



252 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Work, the Pilgrims and the Star Crowned Cross. This is the 
only Grand Chapter of any age that has had but one Grand 
Secretary and one Grand Treasurer from its start. 

The Grand Secretary's salary is $600, and the receipts in 
191 1, including balance, were $9,059; disbursements, $5,980; 
balance, $3,079. 

WYOMING. 

The Grand Chapter of New York chartered Alpha Chap- 
ter No. I, at Laramie, December 24, 1879, but it surrendered 
its charter and took one from the General Grand Chapter Au- 
gust 5, 1880. The convention to organize the Grand Chapter 
was called by the Most Worthy Grand Patron, and met in 
Casper September 14, 1898, six of the eight Chapters being 
represented. The constitution adopted made the Grand 
Matron the executive head and fixed the per capita dues at 
25 cents per annum, which were increased to 50 cents in 1906, 
and made the then Past Matrons and Past Patrons permanent 
members of the Grand Chapter. A public installation of the 
Grand officers was held in connection with the installation of 
the officers of the Masonic Grand Lodge, and every year since 
a joint banquet and ball has been tendered the two bodies by 
the local lodge and Chapter. Liberal contributions were made 
toward the St. Louis fair and the sufferers from the San Fran- 
cisco fire. The Floral Work was rendered in 1909, and an 
edict was issued declaring ''All Orders, or so-called Orders, 
which base their membership, in whole or in part, upon mem- 
bership in the Order of the Eastern Star, which have or may 
hereafter invade the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter, are 
hereby declared to be clandestine, and all Eastern Star mem- 
bers holding membership in said Order, or so-called Order of 
"The True Kindred of Masonry," are hereby required to cease 
membership therein within sixty days from the date hereof, 
or be subject to expulsion for conduct unbecoming a member 
of this Order, in refusing or failing to obey the above mandate 
of this Grand body." 

Some of the zeal required by members of this Grand Chap- 
ter in attending its meetings may be gathered from the fol- 
lowing note of the Grand Secretary in 1903 : 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 253 

''The Grand Chapter held this annual session in the ex- 
treme northeastern part of the State. Some of the members 
present traveled the entire length of the State, several hun- 
dred miles in Nebraska and across a corner of South Dakota, 
in order to reach Newcastle. The railroad fare alone exceed- 
ed fifty dollars, and one could have reached New York City 
in less time." 

Grand Secretary's salary, $250. Receipts in 1910, in- 
cluding balance, $2,753; disbursements, $658; balance, $2,095. 

CHAPTERS UNDER THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 

This body exercises jurisdiction over all territory not in- 
cluded in the Jurisdictions of the forty-eight Grand Chapters 
in this country and the Grand Chapter of Scotland. That 
leaves the lone State of Delaware, the two territories of Alaska 
and Hawaii, continental possessions of the United States and 
the balance of the world, except those portions of the British 
Empire not in America. 

Alaska — There are three Chapters, the oldest being 
Alaska No. i, at Nome, chartered August i, 1907, followed 
by Nugget No. 2, at Douglas, in 1909, and Aurora No. 3, 
Ketchikan, in 191 1. Total membership, 172. 

Canal Zone — Orchid No. i was organized at Gorgona 
October 25, 191 1. As has been the case in many localities, 
much opposition was offered by some Masons to the establish- 
ment of this Chapter, but many of the opponents have been won 
over, and there are prospects for the Order flourishing and 
doing much good. Membership, 51. 

Hawaii — The first Chapter was Hawaii, at Hilo, char- 
tered March 15, 1899. Since then three Chapters have been 
organized in Honolulu, and are progressing harmoniously. 

Philippine Islands — Mayon No. i, at Manila, was char- 
tered January 11, 1905, and has a membership of 91. 

Mexico — The Order is represented by only one Chapter, 
Cananea, at Cananea Sonora, chartered May 3, 1906. 

Canada — When, less than fifty years ago, the Order be- 
gan its march onward, its progress was slow, but after the 
birth of the General Grand Chapter, as State after State 
wheeled into line, the march became more swift and stirring. 



254 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

Its tread echoed along our mountains and vales from the At- 
lantic to the Pacific, from the great lakes to the gulf, and soon 
from far-away isles of the sea, from Alaska to the Canal Zone 
was heard the same ringing tread of steadily marching feet. 
But the grand procession marches now not only to the strains 
of the star-spangled banner. From Bonnie Scotland comes 
the note of the bagpipes, and as we listen with pleasure to that, 
suddenly, from the northland, echoes the inspiring music of 
"God Save the King." Our "Lady of the Snows" has bowed 
her stately shoulders to the five-colored robe, and those who 
have tasted her courteous hospitality and know the warm 
heart beneath the calm exterior welcome her as a most power- 
ful factor in the promotion of fraternal love, relief and truth. 
It is true that some of her sons are still in a Rip Van Winkle 
sleep, but others and her fair daughters feel for her such in- 
tense pride, and are so determined that she shall not lag behind 
in any great movement for the world's betterment, that those 
sleepers will soon be awakened to the full consciousness that 
their mothers, wives and daughters are worthy of their regard. 
When that day arrives the Order in the States and elsewhere 
must look well to its laurels if it expects to rival what will be 
accomplished by harmonious, united efforts in the great Do- 
minion of Canada. 

Alberta — The first Chapter chartered was Mountain View, 
at Olds, April 26, 1906. Three other Chapters were organ- 
ized in 1908, one in 1909, and six in 1911, the total member- 
ship being 560. 

British Columbia — Alpha, at Rossland, was chartered in 
1899, but its charter was arrested in 1906, but subsequently 
restored. One Chapter was organized in 1908, two in 1909, 
one in 19 10, and four in 1911, membership in the eight Chap- 
ters being 572. 

Manitoba — Queen Winnipeg, at Winnipeg, chartered Au- 
gust 12, 1909, is the only Chapter in this Province, and has a 
membership of 61. 

New Brunswick^— Victor'm, at Woodstock, was chartered 
April 28, 1909, and two others were organized in 1911, the 
membership in the three being 140. 

Ontario — Victoria, Windsor, was chartered August 20, 



GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 255 

1908, two others in 1909, and two in 191 o, the membership 
being 440. 

Quebec — King Edward, Coaticook, was chartered October 
30, 1908; Maple Leaf No. 2, at FreHghsburg, in 1909, and 
Unity No. 3, Cookshire, in 1911, the membership being 168. 

Saskatchewan — Mizpah, Moose Jaw, was chartered Au- 
gust 12, 1909, and has a membership of 64. 

Yukon — Yukon, Dawson, was chartered November 15, 
1906, and has a membership of 59. 

Totals for Canada: Thirty-three Chapters and 2,064 
members. 

SCOTLAND. 

Brother Macoy chartered Victoria Chapter No. i, Glas- 
gow, September 30, 1874, and subsequently three others were 
organized, but only Victoria Chapter maintained a continued 
existence. The General Grand Chapter chartered Dundee 
No. I, at Dundee, May 28, 1901. The officers of Victoria 
Chapter, which used the Macoy ritual, made strenuous 
efforts to revive the dormant Chapters Macoy had chartered, 
and succeeded with two of them, and on January 24, 1903, 
the representatives of these Chapters organized the ''Grand 
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Scotland," and 
the same asked recognition from the Grand Chapters in this 
country, and, not being conversant with the fact that only 
three Chapters were instrumental in its organization, and that 
the General Grand Chapter claimed jurisdiction over Scotland 
and deemed the organization irregular, some of them granted 
the request. 

John Crombie, at one time an active Mason and Grand 
Warden of the Grand Lodge, published a blue lodge ritual, 
which he was ordered to recall, and not doing so, he was sus- 
pended from the fraternity. Subsequently he issued rituals 
of other rites, including the Eastern Star (Crombie's Ritual), 
and under the title of the Supreme Council of Rites he char- 
tered Chapters, first at Aberdeen and subsequently at other 
points, but it is believed that none survived except at Aber- 
deen and Dundee. 

The General Grand Chapter chartered three other Chap- 
ters in 1903 and 1904, and to bring about a peaceful solution 



256 GRAND CHAPTER HISTORIES. 

of the complicated situation the General Grand Chapter, by its 
principal officers, assembled representatives of all the Chap- 
ters and organized the Grand Chapter of Scotland on August 
20, 1904, and entered into a concordant therewith by which 
it is to use the ritual as established by the General Grand 
Chapter, and has jurisdiction over the British Empire, except- 
ing such portions as are on the continent of America, with the 
privilege of organizing a Supreme or General Grand Chapter 
as soon as a sufficient number of Grand Chapters are organ- 
ized in the different divisions shall make it expedient to do so. 

The Grand Chapter is maintained not by a level per capita 
tax, but graded according to the rank of its members. For 
the Grand Matron and Grand Patron dues are £1 is; each As- 
sociate Grand Matron and Associate Grand Patron, los; for 
members of the Grand Chapter 2s each, etc. Three black balls 
are necessary to reject a petitioner. In 1910 petition blanks 
for the degrees were ordered to have the following appended : 
"The Order of the Eastern Star is purely a Christian Order, 
and this matter should be pointed out to all applicants for ad- 
mission." A society called "Lady Freemasons" was declared 
a clandestine body in 1908. 

Grand Secretary's salary, $105. Receipts, 1910, includ- 
ing balance, $1,585; disbursements, $1,000; balance, $585. 
The Chapter made no reports to the Grand Chapter, so that the 
number of members is unknown. 




12 



CHAPTER 11. 




HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

HE slogan of the Order has been, ahiiost from its 
inception, a "Home," either for its own mem- 
bers alone, or in connection with the Masonic 
fraternity. As soon as the Order had reached 
an independent footing, and had proved that it 
had come to stay, it looked about for larger fields of usefulness. 
The same inspiration which prompts man to heroism or quiet 
service also animates the bosom of his female relatives, al- 
though most of woman's deeds of heroism and self-denial are 
such as the great world knows nothing of. More inured to 
suffering than her brother, going down again and again into 
the valley of torture and pain, she sees more acutely than he 
the woes of suffering humanity, and with a greater caution 
looks into a possible future for dependent loved ones. By 
observation and experience she knows what it is to be widowed 
and homeless when the strong arm upon which she might con- 
fidently lean is no longer hers. Therefore, she has gladly 
aided in furnishing and supporting ^lasonic homes and urged 
the fraternity to build such where there are none. Her in- 
genious and clever methods of raising funds, her earnest ap- 
peals for aid and the sympathetic view which she is able to 
present, have been the means of changing the whole attitude 
of the fraternity in some places in this regard. What it owes 
to the Eastern Star in this particular will never be known 
until that great day when the books shall be opened, but the 
following record, which only presents a partial statement of 
the financial side of the case, not reckoning the many con- 
tributions of money which have l^een made through other 
channels than the Grand Chapters, and the many material con- 
tributions, will give some hint of the accomplishments. No 
account is taken of the thousands of dollars given for relief 
in special cases, such as the Galveston flood, the San Fran- 
cisco fire, etc., yet the aggregate exceeds $550,000! 



258 HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

Alabama — There is a Masonic Home toward the support 
of which there has been contributed by the Order the sum of 
$5,340. 

Arkansas — A Masonic and Eastern Star Home, costing 
about seventy thousand dollars, is maintained. Two of the 
seven trustees represent the Order, and its members are ad- 
mitted on the same conditions as Masons. Twenty-five cents 
of the annual per capita is appropriated to its support, and 
the contributions thus far made by the Order exceed $9,300. 
The Home, which has a capacity of 150, is paid for, and the 
cost of maintenance is estimated at $12,000, toward which the 
Eastern Star is expected to contribute $2,000. 

California — Although there are two Masonic Homes in the 
State, yet, owing to the far-famed virtue of its climate, which 
causes many of limited means and feeble health to resort 
thither, the demand is not fully supplied, and the Order is 
raising a fund for an Eastern Star Home, the contributions 
therefor, as indicated in the proceedings, amounting to $6,388. 

Colorado — The Order has contributed some $2,160 toward 
the maintenance of the Masonic Home. 

Connecticut — The Order has for many years rendered sub- 
stantial assistance toward the support of the Masonic Home at 
Wallingford, not only in money, but in many contributions 
"in kind," which were far more valuable. The cash amounts 
to $5,500. The Grand Chapter has started an Eastern Star 
Home fund, now amounting to $3,000. 

District of Cohmibia — The Order has acquired a plot of 
ten acres with valuable improvements, and has furnished com- 
fortable accommodations for its dependents, the total valua- 
tion being $32,000. In 191 1 it contributed $6,200 toward its 
support. 

Florida is as yet without any home, but the Grand Lodge 
and Grand Chapter are accumulating funds for that purpose, 
the latter body having $1,026 toward that object. 

Georgia has a Masonic Home, managed by a board of ten 
trustees, two of whom are chosen by the Eastern Star, and 
the contributions from the Order have aggregated $1,600. 

Illinois — The Masons established a Home in 1885, and in 
1886 granted representation to the Eastern Star on the direc- 



HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 259 

torate, and in 1895, the request that widows and orphans of 
the Order be admitted on the same terms as those of Masons 
being refused, it was determined that the Order maintain an 
Eastern Star and Masonic Home, and a site of tw^enty-eight 
acres was purchased near Macon, and the brick house of eleven 
rooms has been twice added to, so that it now has seventy-two 
rooms, and the plant represents $54,000. There were at the 
last report thirty-two inmates, all of whom are adults, and all 
but one are females. Current expenses and ordinary repairs 
were estimated at $10,555, equalling $330 per capita per an- 
num. The total amount raised has been $123,000. 

Indiana — In 1892 the Grand Chapter resolved that the 
time had arrived for definite action toward securing a home, 
but owing to the death of the chairman of the committee on 
the subject the matter was neglected, but in 1902 the subject 
was revived, and a fund begun, which now aggregates $10,000, 
and in 191 1 a per capita tax of 10 cents was levied for the 
fund. Entirely by the efforts of the Order, the Grand Lodge 
was moved to action, and in 19 10 levied a per capita of 25 
cents, and is also raising money by voluntary offerings, so 
that the dream of the faithful women workers will soon be 
realized. An Eastern Star Home Association was organized 
in 1909, but it will probably be merged with the Masonic or- 
ganization. 

lozva — The movement for a Home began in 1902 and was 
so successful that a beautiful Home was acquired in 1904, 
controlled exclusively by the Order, toward which Masons 
have contributed liberally. The property is valued at $219,- 
000, the contributions in cash exceeding $42,000, besides many 
gifts of material. 

Kansas — The movement for a Masonic Home was begun 
by the Grand Chapter in 1885, when a committee was ap- 
pointed to confer with the Grand Lodge, but little advance 
was made until 1891, when the Grand Lodge unanimously 
voted to yield to the solicitations of the Eastern Star and re- 
solved *'to co-operate with similar committees from the other 
regular and recognized Masonic bodies, and the Order of the 
Eastern Star, to furnish plans for arranging and carrying 
into effect the action of the Grand Lodge." x\t its organiza- 



260 HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

tion, and continuously since, a sister was made a member of 
the board of directors, the first time that a woman has served 
in such a capacity. The regulations were made to provide 
for the admission of the children of members of the Order. 

In 1895, th^ Grand Lodge having decided to abandon the 
project on account of the prevailing hard times, the Grand 
Chapter asked the Grand Lodge to reconsider its action and 
to take steps toward founding a Home, pledging the hearty 
assistance of the Order. To this request the Grand Lodge 
acceded, and in 1896 an annual per capita tax of 10 cents was 
made by the Grand Chapter for the object; a standing com- 
mittee on the Home was provided for; June 24 was made 
Masonic Home day, which each subordinate Chapter was re- 
quested to devote to raising money for the Home. The con- 
tributions of the Order toward the Home have aggregated 
more than forty-three thousand dollars, in addition to special 
contributions for particular objects. Emma W. Port, Past 
Grand Matron, contributed $1,000 as the foundation of an 
endowment, to which the Grand Chapter added $500 in 1900. 

In 1896 the board of directors adopted the following: 

"We appreciate and gratefully acknowledge the encour- 
agement, aid and support, moral as well as material, given by 
the Order of the Eastern Star, and record our conviction that 
an Order so distinguished and noted for its efforts in behalf of 
distressed, destitute and helpless humanity is entitled to the 
active support as well as the commendation of all good 
Masons." 

The Home was dedicated b}^ the Grand Lodge September 
10, 1896, and in his address on the occasion the Grand Master 
said : 

''We do not forget the powerful aid and influence of the 
Eastern Star and its Chapters. Without their aid, and the 
support of the women of Masonry, we could boast neither of 
past success nor future hope." 

Rinda E. Chesney, Past Grand Matron, was the first ma- 
tron of the Home, while the present one is Mary C. Snedden, 
Past Most Worthy Grand Matron. 

We are pleased to present herewith an illustration of the 
home, and to quote the following description of it: 



HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 261 

"It was erected for Hon. R. E. Lawrence in 1888, when 
Wichita was in the zenith of her glory and money was no ob- 
ject, and cost $97,000. 

**It is buih of stone, three stories high, with basement un- 
der the entire building; double walls and slate roof render it 
fireproof. The building is 90 by 90 feet. The reception 
room is 20 by 25, finished in oak, with massive French plate 
mirrors and parquet floor. Opening from this room, with 
folding doors, are the library, parlors, sitting room and ma- 
tron's room. 

'Tt is one of the many places in this land that cost a for- 
tune and sold for a song. The Masons bought the place for 
only $2 1 ,000. Since buying it they have built an addition 
connecting the stable (which was as fine as the house) with 
the house. The addition contains the dining room and kitchen, 
the original dining room being used as the matron's room and 
the original kitchen as the children's play room. The stable 
has been fitted up for the old men, the former carriage room, 
with its beautiful mantel and grate, being their reading room. 
The Masons bought the Home and the Eastern Star fur- 
nished it." 

Kentucky — The Masonic Home of Kentucky was the 
pioneer in this country, and since 1903 the Eastern Star has 
contributed liberally toward its support, but it has inaugurated 
a movement for an Eastern Star Home, for which it is raising 
an endowment fund. The contributions aggregate $3,600. 

Louisiana — In 1908 the Grand Chapter adopted resolu- 
tions looking to the accumulation of a fund to furnish a Ma- 
sonic Home, should one be erected, failing which, it should 
be for building an Eastern Star Home, and $1,834 has been 
contributed thereto. 

Maine — No action has l^een taken toward establishing a 
Home, but the Grand Chapter has started a charity fund, which 
amounts to $370. 

Massachusetts — The Grand Chapter began the accumula- 
tion of a fund for a Home in 1902, and has raised $12,655 ^^^ 
that object. 

Michigan — The Masons established a Masonic Home, and, 
in 1890, in response to an appeal of the Grand Matron, many 



262 HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

of the Chapters assisted in promoting a State Masonic fair 
for its benefit, which netted $7,000, and from that time for- 
ward the Chapters have been active promoters of the work, 
contributing over eleven thousand dollars, and the Grand 
Chapter is represented by three members on the board of 
control. A sad calamity befell the enterprise in the destruc- 
tion of the Home by fire, but, nothing daunted, the work 
goes on. A per capita of 10 cents is levied annualty for it. 

Minnesota — A committee was appointed in 1891 to confer 
with the Grand Lodge in relation to the establishment of a 
Masonic Home, and the Grand Lodge declared its sympathy 
with the object, but nothing further was done in the matter 
until 1900. In 1 90 1 the matter of co-operating in the erec- 
tion of a Masonic Home, toward which the Grand Lodge had 
accumulated some thirty thousand dollars, was decided upon, 
and a lo-cent per capita tax was levied, and a committee ap- 
pointed to raise and manage funds for that object, and the 
Grand Chapter has accumulated $12,435 toward building a 
Home, and a Masonic Home Association has been incorpor- 
ated, with Mary C. Taylor, Grand Secretary, as one of the 
directors, and a Home is to be built when $100,000 has been 
raised, $50,000 of which is to be for endowment, the per 
capita now being 8 cents per annum. 

Mississippi — The Order is represented by three members 
of the board of trustees of the Masonic Home, and has con- 
tributed $1,682 towards its support, which speaks well for this 
young and small Grand Chapter. It has decided to build a me- 
morial chapel at the Home. 

Missouri — In 1878 a committee was appointed to mature 
plans for the gradual accumulation of funds for the purpose 
of establishing a widow's and orphan's asylum. The matter 
was in abeyance until 1888, when the Masons having started a 
movement to establish a Home, the Chapters began contribut- 
ing sums annually, varying from $17.50 to $390, aggregating 
in eight years some two thousand dollars. In 1894 it was pro- 
posed to build at the Home an Eastern Star chapel, and the 
same was completed in 1897 ^t a cost of $3,533, and the chapel 
was dedicated by the Grand Master, October 21, 1897, i" the 
presence of the Grand Chapter, the members of it taking 




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HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 263 

prominent parts in the program. In the eastern end of the 
chapel is a large Eastern Star window donated by the children 
of the Home. Besides, they contributed $339.95, the money 
being earned by their voices. On the right of this window is 
a picture of Christ blessing little children, donated by Ascalon 
Commandery, Knights Templar ; on the left, one of the Repose 
in Egypt, from Molah Temple, Mystic Shrine. Other win- 
dows show Martha, Ruth, Esther, the Ascension, the Guardian 
Angel, the open Bible and the Burning Bush. The members 
in Missouri are justly proud of their chapel and have held 
their annual meeting in it. 

In 1900 the following was adopted: 

"The Grand Chapter does hereby agree to give $3,000 
toward building the old people's building. It further agrees 
to contribute annually an amount equal to 15 cents per mem- 
ber toward the maintenance of the Masonic Home, provided 
that the board of directors of the Home, or whoever has the 
authority, will admit the members and children of such mem- 
bers of the Order who are not now entitled to equal privi- 
leges of the Home with those of the Masonic fraternity of 
Missouri. Provided, further, that the board of directors of 
the Masonic Home of Missouri will so amend their laws as to 
admit two lady directors from the Grand Chapter, Order of 
the Eastern Star of Missouri. . . . When the charity 
fund shall be deemed sufficient, and the necessity arises, the 
fund, or such portion of it as may be necessary, shall be used 
to organize and maintain an old ladies' home." 

Each subordinate Chapter was requested to raise funds 
for the object. At this juncture Sister N. M. Botkin, of Jop- 
lin, said she would start the fund with a nest-egg of $25, and 
in less than an hour contributions were made by Chapters and 
individuals aggregating $1,465.54, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to confer with the directors of the Home in regard to 
the matter, and the request was acceded to. It has been the 
practice of the Grand Chapter to appropriate annually fifty or 
seventy-five dollars for Christmas presents for the aged mem- 
bers of the home. 

The property of the Home is valued at $190,000 and there 
is an endowment fund of $121,000. The Eastern Star has 



264 HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

contributed $35,000. There are 154 inmates, and the cost is 
$212 per capita per annum. 

Montana — Miriam Chapter No. i, of Helena, took the 
initiative so far as the Order is concerned, in 1898, toward 
the estabhshment of a Masonic Home, issuing an appeal to the 
several Chapters, which resulted in the raising of $325.05, 
and the amount raised by the Order is $6,300, which was 
largely expended in furnishing the Home, the cornerstone of 
which was laid December 27, 1906. 

Nebraska — The Grand Chapter passed a resolution in 
1887 pledging co-operation with the Grand Lodge, but as the 
matter did not materialize, it was revived in 1898 and carried 
to completion, and a beautiful hospital has been erected by the 
Order, the contributions aggregating $7,643. 

Nevada — In 191 1 the first Monday in November was des- 
ignated as Home day and $256 was reported in the treasury. 

Neiv Hampshire — The Grand Chapter has raised $930 for 
a Home fund. 

New Jersey — There is no Masonic or Eastern Star Home, 
but the Grand Chapter has raised a charity fund of $1,489. 

New York — In 1890 a committee of one from each Chap- 
ter was appointed "to give an entertainment in New York and 
Brooklyn to raise a nucleus for the purpose of providing a 
Home for the deserving members of the Order," and the 
Grand Matron reported that ''she had directed the Grand Sec- 
retary to write to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and 
offer the services of the Order to furnish one room in the Ma- 
sonic Home at Utica, when completed, which might, perhaps, 
be set apart for the use of the deserving of the Order," and 
subsequently $200 was appropriated for the object. An East- 
ern Star Home Association was organized in 1892, and it has 
raised over $140,000, $84,859 being invested at interest, the 
balance going to the purchase and furnishing of nine acres of 
ground in 1907, and for maintenance. The property is lo- 
cated in the center of Waterville, and has a three-story frame 
house of twenty-one rooms, which was dedicated June 20, 
1908. A per capita tax of 25 cents is levied annually for its 
support. 

North Carolina — The Masonic and Eastern Star Home 



HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 265 

was incorporated in 1908, in which the Grand Chapter is rep- 
resented by three trustees, it pledging itself to raise two-fifths 
of the necessary funds. The contributions so far reported 
aggregate $2,000, and the Home, costing $25,000, is under 
way at Greensboro. 

North Dakota — A fund is being accumulated against the 
time of need, which now amounts to $1,097. 

Ohio — In 1890 a committee was appointed to devise ways 
and means to secure a Home for the indigent Masons and 
their children. In 1895 the Grand Matron w^as authorized to 
issue an appeal to Chapters for contributions for the Masonic 
Home at Springfield, but owing to the action of the Grand 
Master in relation to Chapters meeting in Masonic halls she 
did not do so. In 1897 the Grand Chapter appropriated $100 
to the Home, which had been completed by the Masons at a 
cost of $17,500. A memorial hospital was erected by the 
Order at the Home in 1905 at a cost of $12,042, and liberal 
sums have been raised every year for the work, aggregating 
$21,427, beside many Christmas cheer donations, and in 19 10 
a committee was appointed to consider the expediency of es- 
tablishing an Eastern Star Home. 

Oklahoma — In 1892 a committee was appointed "to work- 
up an interest for the orphans' fund," and in 1900 sub- 
ordinate Chapters were requested to raise money for a Home. 
The Grand Lodge has acquired a section of land, formerly an 
Indian reservation, containing one hundred buildings, at a cost 
of $75,000, the Order's contributions being $8,700, beside 
gifts for Christmas cheer. In 19 10 $1,000 was appropriated 
for a library for use of the Home people. 

Oregon — In 1898 the Grand Matron made a strong plea 
for the establishment of a Masonic Home, and the Grand 
Chapter elected five trustees to promote the work and appro- 
priated $300 to the object, and communicated its desire to the 
Grand Lodge, which declared itself ready by counsel and moral 
support to sustain it. The Chapters contributed $133 and the 
Grand Chapter appropriated $100 in 1899, but owing to the 
fact that the Grand Lodge considered the movement prema- 
ture, the matter has not been vigorously pressed, but $2,279 
has been accumulated. 



266 HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 

Pennsylvania — In 1906 the Grand Chapter contributed 
$250 to furnish a room in the Masonic Home, and $3,000 has 
been accumulated toward an Eastern Star Home, most of 
which has been raised by a voluntary association of the mem- 
bers in w^estern Pennsylvania. 

South Carolina — In 1909 the Grand Chapter voted to co- 
operate with the Grand Lodge in the Home matter, and in 
191 o to furnish a room in memory of Past Grand Matron 
Outz. The total for Home and charity fund is $1,171. 

South Dakota — A fund for a Home was started in 1898, 
which now amounts to $5,789. 

Tennessee — The Order contributed $4,500 toward the Ma- 
sonic Home, located five miles from Nashville, and it is repre- 
sented on the Home board. 

Texas — The Order has contributed $5,094 for Christmas 
cheer and has a fund of $13,538 for a Home. It has also 
appointed a committee of five to look after the welfare of the 
graduates from the Home, and the subordinate Chapters an- 
nually contribute from $500 to $800 for Christmas cheer for 
the Home residents. 

Utah — There is the nucleus for a Home fund of $100 and 
$384 in a charity fund. 

Vermont — There is a small fund for a Home, and in 191 1 
a sister offered to donate a site for a Home, Avhich was re- 
ferred to a committee. 

Virginia — The Chapters have contributed $1,000 toward 
the Masonic Home located in Richmond. 

Washington — The Masonic Home is located on a twenty- 
acre plot near Puyallup and is managed by five directors, two 
representing the Eastern Star and three the Grand Lodge. 
The Grand Chapter levies a per capita of ten cents per annum 
and has contributed $15,651. In 1909 a special appropriation 
of $335 was made to furnish a room. 

West Virginia — In 191 1 twenty per cent of the balance in 
the treasury each year was appropriated to a Home fund and 
a room is to be furnished in memory of a deceased sister. 
Cash in hand, $295. 

Wisconsin — In 1893 a committee was appointed to con- 
sider the advisability of establishing a Home, but no progress 







c/2 
< 



HOME AND CHARITY WORK. 267 

was made until 1900, since which time $9,322 has been raised. 
In 1902 it was resolved to erect a Home when sufficient funds 
were raised to establish and maintain same without levying a 
tax upon the Masons or Eastern Stars, but subsequently 
arrangements were made with the Scottish Rite Home for the 
care of dependants upon the Eastern Star, upon payment of 
the actual cost, not exceeding $3.50 per week. 

Wyoming — In 1908 a per capita of ten cents was levied, 
and in 1910 $300 had been secured for the Home fund. 



CHAPTER III. 







JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 

N this chapter is given a survey of the actions of 
the different Grand Chapters upon various ques- 
tions of both law and custom, which may have 
been in the form of decisions of the presiding 
officer, approved by the Grand Chapter, or by a 
law adopted by it. While there is a general trend toward 
uniformity, it will be noted that on some points there is a wide 
divergence. The General Grand Chapter has exerted a wide 
influence toward securing uniformity in this direction, as it 
has secured absolute uniformity in ritualistic work, so far as 
the same can be hoped for or is desirable. It is not possi- 
ble, if indeed it were desirable, that the work should be 
rendered in absolutely the same manner in every Chapter.' 
Some Chapters have greater means and ability than others, and 
will employ them toward the embellishing of the ritualistic 
work, and will find material profit in the use of robes, marches 
and addendas that other Chapters, of more limited opportu- 
nities, can not employ. In that branch of the Catholic Church 
in which the writer has the privilege to minister the motto of 
the undivided church has practical illustration: 'Tn essentials, 
unity ; in nonessentials, liberty ; in all things, charity ;" and the 
Order can find no better lines on which to regulate its rendi- 
tion of ritualistic work. Whatever will add to the impressive- 
ness of the work, without involving a departure from the 
forms laid down in the established ritual, should be hailed 
with pleasure by all who love the Order, but nothing should 
find acceptance that is a departure in a serious way from its 
wording and spirit. We do not believe that our ritual has 
attained that degree of perfection that it can not be improved, 
but frequent changes should be avoided, and should not find 
place until they have been seriously and maturely considered, 
as, indeed, they must be under the law of the General Grand 
Chapter governing the subject. 



270 JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 

Concerning what may be considered harmless innovations, 
the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia has declared: 
"This Grand Body will not proscribe the introduction of any 
reasonable addition to the degree work not contrary to the 
ritual and not specifically forbidden thereby." 

While the decisions and actions of the General Grand 
Chapter, on subjects other than the ritual, are binding only on 
the subordinate Chapters under its immediate jurisdiction, 
they have had their influence upon most of the Grand Chapters, 
as e. g., the adoption of a test oath by it in 1895 has been gen- 
erally followed, although but two or three Grand Chapters 
used one before that time; the ruling that the brother on an 
investigating committee must report before a petition can be 
balloted upon, has been generally followed, as has also the 
acceptance of the raised right hand as a voting sign. 

In the matter of eligibility to membership there should be 
general uniformity, as the ritual prescribes, and there have 
been few departures therefrom, although Kansas, Maryland 
and Ohio have ruled that under certain circumstances the rela- 
tives of a dimitted Mason are eligible, while in New York the 
relatives of a brother suspended for nonpayment of dues are 
admitted. The mother of an adopted son who is a Mason is 
usually deemed eligible, but Wisconsin and Wyoming rule 
them out, and Texas does so provided the mother's husband 
is a non-Mason. A foster-sister is also usually recognized, 
although California, Iowa and West Virginia do not do so. 
New Jersey does not admit half-sisters or adopted daughters, 
while Montana admits the daughter of a Mason, although she 
be the adopted daughter of a non-Mason. As to the matter 
of age there is uniformity, except that Montana admits wives 
and married sisters under eighteen, evidently believing that 
the marital tie adds wisdom as well as experience. In Ohio 
and Missouri a woman whose first husband was a Mason, 
divorced from a second husband who was not a Mason, is a 
Mason's widow, while in Massachusetts a woman whose hus- 
band obtained a "Western divorce" is still considered his wife, 
and is eligible if he is a Mason in good standing, and step- 
sisters are also eligible. As to the eligibility of a person un- 
able to write, the expressed opinions are evenly balanced, 



JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 271 

Michigan and Wisconsin answering yes, and Illinois and 
Missouri no. 

The General Grand Chapter has very properly ruled that a 
Master Mason who is a member of a lawfully constituted 
lodge is eligible to the degrees, irrespective of race or color, 
the ballot being the only test in such cases, but California 
rules that a negro otherwise eligible can not be received. 

Physical qualifications have troubled the Eastern Star as 
greatly as the Masonic Fraternity, and there are a variety of 
rulings in the matter. Most Grand Chapters disbar the blind, 
while Illinois, New Mexico and Texas admit them. The deaf 
are generally in the same category, but Minnesota rules that a 
Master Mason, no matter what his physical condition may be, 
is eligible, but disbars women with one arm, as do the General 
Grand Chapter, Indiana and Kentucky. Alabama, Louisiana 
and Oklahoma rule that one must be able to see and give the 
signs and hear and give the passes. Iowa says an artificial 
limb is as good as a natural one. 

In most jurisdictions a member can affiliate wath any Chap- 
ter that will receive him, irrespective of residence, but many 
Grand Chapters require that they shall be residents of the 
State in which the Chapter is located, as in Massachusetts, 
Missouri and North Dakota; others require that affiliation 
must be with the nearest Chapter, as Idaho, Michigan, Mon- 
tana, Nevada, Ohio and West Virginia, while in addition to 
this Arizona and Wyoming require a residence of six and 
three months, respectively, before petitioning. Nevada re- 
quires a member dimitted over one year to pay dues from tlie 
date of dimit, in addition to the affiliation fee, while in Cali- 
fornia a member under such conditions must pay six months' 
dues. A unanimous ballot is generally required on a petition 
for affiliation, but in Wisconsin a vote of four-fifths is suffi- 
cient, while in Iowa and New Hampshire a two-thirds vote is 
required. In Idaho and Missouri three black balls reject. 
Alabama has the most peculiar regulation, whereby one hold- 
ing a dimit over two years can not affiliate, but must be re- 
initiated. In Arizona an examination is not necessary if peti- 
tion is accompanied by a dimit and the petitioner is known to 
be the person she represents herself to be. 



272 JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 

In Kansas a petition either for the degrees or affihation 
can only be received by unanimous consent, while in California 
an unfavorable report of an investigating committee rejects 
the petitioner. In all other jurisdictions a ballot must be had. 
The general rule that the brother on an investigating commit- 
tee must sign the report is departed from in Michigan, while 
in Illinois and Nebraska the entire committee must make 
report. California has a peculiar arrangement: the Matron 
appoints the investigating committee privately, no one else 
knowing who its members are, nor are they known to each 
other. Each makes a written report to the Matron, who 
destroys same and announces the nature of the reports to the 
Chapter. 

Although such is not generally the case, Alabama, Georgia, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey and Oregon require, 
that a brother must retain his membership in a Masonic lodge 
to be in good standing in the Order, and it is to be hoped that 
many other jurisdictions will fall into line and thus place the 
Order on the same basis in this regard as the Grand Encamp- 
ment of Knights Templar, which considers that a man who 
does not keep in active touch with what is popularly called 
Blue Lodge Masonry should not be allowed the privilege of 
the appendant Orders. In most jurisdictions the suspension 
or expulsion of a brother by his lodge automatically has the 
same effect in the Eastern Star, but California, Iowa and Mon- 
tana decide otherwise, as do Connecticut and Texas if the 
suspension be for nonpayment of dues. The members of a 
Chapter whose charter is arrested do not lose their individual 
standing in the Order. 

In Kansas, New Hampshire and New Jersey one must 
have served as Associate Matron or Conductress to be eligible 
to the office of Matron. In Ohio none of the three principal 
officers is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms, 
and in New Hampshire a Patron must be an affiliated Mason, 
But New York allows any Master Mason to act as Patron, 
thus empowering one who is not a member of the Order to 
make others such. Arizona requires the Matron and Patron 
to commit their work to the satisfaction of the installing officer 
before they can be installed. Texas prohibits a member who 



JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 273 

is an officer in any secret society other than Masonic from 
holding office in Grand Chapter. 

The Worthy Matron in office is justly entitled to install 
her successor or name the installing officer, but California and 
Ohio rule that the Chapter can do so; Minnesota that the 
incoming officers have that right. Illinois says the Matron 
must be installed before any of the other officers can be. Only 
those who have presided in the East of a Chapter are per- 
mitted by the ritual to perform the installation ceremony, but 
Kentucky and Montana have attempted to invest the Associate 
Matron with the power. Installation by proxy is not usually 
permitted, but New York says all but the Matron and Patron 
may be ; Nevada that the star officers, and Nevada that all the 
appointive officers can be. West Virginia prohibits public 
installations and New Hampshire allows them only by dispen- 
sation of the Grand Matron. In other jurisdictions they are 
permitted. 

Alabama, Montana, Nebraska and Texas rule that an 
elected officer cannot resign or dimit, but Nebraska and Ari- 
zona provide that if an officer is absent from four or three 
successive meetings, respectively, the office may be declared 
vacant. Maine and Nevada will not allow any installed officer 
to dimit, while Illinois, Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin 
agree that an officer installed into one office cannot be elected 
to fill a vancancy in another, and Nebraska makes the Grand 
Matron and Grand Patron ineligible to the offices of Matron 
and Patron. 

As a rule, a Matron or Patron installed into office is en- 
titled to the honors of a past officer, irrespective of the term 
of service, but in Arizona they must be present at a majority 
of the regular meetings during their term to be, and Iowa 
requires that a full term must be served. 

The Grand Honors are usually given to Grand and Past 
Grand presiding officers, no matter where their service may 
have been, but Maine restricts them to those of its own juris- 
diction. Oregon gives them to all elective Grand and Past 
Grand officers when visiting subordinate Chapters. Massa- 
chusetts forbids their being given in subordinate Chapters, 
and the District of Columbia does not allow them to be given 



274 JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 

to Past Grands when the Grand Matron or Grand Patron is 
present. Although the ritual provides for the saluting of the 
Matron with them at her installation, Connecticut disallows 
it when the installation is public. 

In Ohio a person is not a member or subject to dues until 
he has signed the by-laws; in California if one fails to sign 
within six months his membership is forfeited, and in Maine 
an objection filed before the by-laws are signed has the effect 
of a black ball, while in California and Indiana the ballot is 
final and an objection is of no force. 

The regulations in regard to balloting are generally that 
all members present must vote on petitions, but they need not 
do so in Massachusetts, while in Texas visitors are also 
allowed to ballot. Balloting on more than one petition at the 
same time is allowed in Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Ohio and 
Rhode Island. In Illinois no ballot can be spread while the 
Patron is presiding and in Pennsylvania no ballot can be had 
in his absence. Petitions can only be balloted on at a stated 
meeting except in Louisiana, where it may be done at a called 
meeting, "if all the members within hail have been notified." 

In spite of the positive requirements of the ritual, and a 
landmark ever since the inception of the Order, that a Master 
Mason only can initiate applicants, Iowa, Mississippi, New 
Mexico and Texas attempt to empower a sister to administer 
the obligation. 

The prevailing regulation for a quorum is seven; in Mis- 
souri and Wyoming they must all be members of the Chapter, 
while Texas counts visitors and Connecticut, Illinois, Minne- 
sota and New Jersey require that one of them must be a 
brother, and California rules that a trial cannot be had without 
a Patron being present. 

That a Chapter cannot be opened in the absence of the 
three principal of^cers except by the Grand Matron or her 
Deputy is the prevailing rule, the departures therefrom being 
Wyoming, where a Past Matron or Past Patron can do so; 
Colorado, where the Conductress or Associate Conductress 
may oiliciate, and the District of Columbia, where a Past 
Matron can perform the ceremony. 

Generally a member in good standing loses no rights be- 



JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 275 

cause delinquent in dues, but in Idaho and Oregon those de- 
hnquent a year cannot vote or hold office. In Kentucky the 
time is two years, while in California and Minnesota delin- 
quents may be declared suspended after notice, without trial. 

One suspended in Ohio must pay dues for the time sus- 
pended in order to be reinstated, while in Texas the reinstate- 
ment of a brother by a lodge which had suspended him does 
not reinstate him in the Chapter, which is at variance with the 
rule in all other jurisdictions. 

By the laws of most Grand Chapters a rejected petitioner 
can petition another Chapter after gaining residence within its 
jurisdiction, but New Hampshire, Mississippi, Montana, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin 
hold to the doctrine of perpetual jurisdiction — that a person 
having been rejected by one Chapter can never apply to an- 
other without the consent of the rejecting Chapter — while the 
District of Columbia claims jurisdiction for five years and 
Illinois for three years. Massachusetts respects the claim of 
perpetual jurisdiction where held by other Grand Chapters, 
while it is not allowed by the other grand bodies. This is one 
of the ancient practices of some Grand Lodges that is the bet- 
ter complied with in the breach than in the observance. 

Maine is the only State that gives jurisdiction to a subordi- 
nate Chapter half way to the neighboring Chapter "by the 
usual traveled route," rather than by airline. The District 
of Columbia makes the novel claim of jurisdiction over a non- 
resident in the District if he resides nearer a Chapter in its 
Jurisdiction than to a Chapter in his State of residence. 

Waivers of jurisdiction are usually granted by a majority 
vote, but Michigan requires a unanimous one and Florida a 
two-thirds by secret ballot, while Massachusetts rules that 
where Chapters have concurrent jurisdiction each must waive 
same. Illinois decides that a waiver must be unconditional, 
while Indiana very properly rules that its Grand Matron can- 
not waive jurisdiction over any resident of the State, that 
being the exclusive right of the Chapter. The District of 
Columbia makes the novel decision that a Chapter in its juris- 
diction cannot confer the degrees upon a resident of another, 
even though the Chapter having jurisdiction waive it. Chap- 



276 JURISPRUDEXCE, ETC. 

ters under dispensation cannot waive jurisdiction or grant 
dimits. 

In most Jurisdictions there is no restriction as to the num- 
ber of candidates upon whom the degrees can be conferred at 
one time, but CaHfornia, Ilhnois, Kansas,, Xew Jersey, Xew 
York and North Dakota place a hmit var}-ing from four to six. 

Perhaps nothing has contributed more to creating and 
maintaining interest in the Order than the various ceremonies, 
such as the Floral Work, Vocal Star, etc., which are noticed 
in Chapter V of Part One. Several Grand Chapters have 
ruled that such can only be given after the Chapter is closed, 
but the majority admit of their use under the head of good of 
the Order, while California, Iowa, Xorth Dakota, Texas and 
Wisconsin have decided that the Floral \\'ork can be given in 
public. Of course, the Amaranth, True Kindred and the 
White Shrine of Jerusalem, claiming to be independent Or- 
ders, are not recognized in any Jurisdiction save possibly X'ew 
Jersey and Xew York, and several Grand Chapters have for- 
bidden Eastern Star members to belong to them. 

Electioneering for office is a bane in all societies and is 
made an offense against the Order in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana 
and ^^'isconsin. Minnesota pronounces printed ballots illegal. 

Past officers of other Grand Chapters affiliating with 
Chapters under their jurisdiction are accorded full Past Hon- 
ors in most jurisdictions, but Mississippi disallows them. 

low^a, Missouri and Oregon prohibit Chapters from join- 
ing with any other than Masonic bodies at public functions, 
and the rule generally prevails that they can only attend 
funerals w^here they have charge, and in the District of Colum- 
bia they must have a dispensation to do so. X'^ebraska allows 
a Chapter to appear in public in regalia, "if the Chapter ex- 
pects the public to assist in paying for it.'' 

A woman who has money invested in the liquor business 
is not received in Georgia. Washington does not admit 
saloon keepers. ^Minnesota requires charges to be preferred 
against such as are members. Xebraska disbars saloon keep- 
ers, but admits their relatives. She also prohibits a Chapter 
meeting in a building in which a saloon is located, and Cali- 



JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 277 

fornia very wisely prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages in 
Chapters. 

Rhode Island has ruled that "it is permissible for a Chap- 
ter to possess a duplicate charter, and use the same in lieu of 
the original, which may be placed in some place secure from 
fire," but it strikes us that this decision might seriously com- 
plicate matters under certain conditions that might arise, and 
have arisen in other Jurisdictions, where dissensions exist and 
the Chapter officers were not in harmony. 

The District of Columbia is alone in exempting from fees 
and dues clergymen not engaged in any secular employment. 

A member of a Chapter has the right to object to the 
presence therein of any visiting member, but in New York a 
Master Mason, although not a member of the Order, cannot 
be thus excluded. 

Notwithstanding the obligation, which makes no distinc- 
tion as to the duties of members to brothers and sisters, Indi- 
ana, Oregon and Texas allow appropriations by Chapters for 
relief to females and children only. Arizona and Nebraska 
restrict appropriations to purposes connected with the Order 
or Masonry. California confines the appropriation for the 
purpose of presenting a pin to the retiring Matron to ten per 
cent of the general fund, and Illinois allows no entertainments 
appealing to the public. 

New Jersey forbids the presence of children in the Chapter 
or anterooms, Louisiana, Maine and Nevada in the Chapter 
room, while half a dozen States fix the limitation at two years. 

The playing of cards in Chapter rooms is not allowed in 
most jurisdictions, but is permitted in anterooms, while Louisi- 
ana, Maine and Virginia bar card parties and dances in con- 
nection with the Order. 

Illinois and Ohio forbid the use of the titles sister and 
brother outside the precincts of the Chapter room. 

Soliciting persons to become members of the Order is not 
commonly allowed, but Louisiana permits it. 

Fines for loss of rituals and secret work are imposed in 
some Jurisdictions, and in Massachusetts a Chapter invading 
the jurisdiction of another forfeits $25 to that Chapter. 

While there is no regulation in regard to what place the 



278 JURISPRUDENCE, ETC. 

Bible upon the altar shall be opened, the general practice is at 
the second chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. 

Rods are used in several Jurisdictions by the Conductresses, 
and in Iowa and Kansas the square and compass are used upon 
the altar. 

In the District of Columbia the Marshal carries a baton 
and in Michigan introduces Grand officers and visitors. 

A password is collected at the opening of Chapters in Mas- 
sachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas. 

In Missouri all the officers join in the golden chain, and 
in Alabama it is directed that the hands should be raised as 
high as the shoulder. 



CHAPTER IV. 




STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 

ABLE No. I shows the number of Chapters and 
members in the different jurisdictions at quinten- 
nial periods, and the percentage of increase in 
number of Chapters and members during the 
same. 
Table No. 2 shows the year of the Order's introduction 
and the total number of Chapters organized in the different 
States, the present number of active Chapters, the number 
of Chapters that in any way have become dormant, either 
by forfeiting charters or failing to report, the percentage that 
the dormant Chapters bear to the total number organized, 
the total membership, and the average number to each Chap- 
ter. I have grouped the several States according to their 
geographical locations. It will be seen that, for some rea- 
son, in that portion of the country lying south of the historic 
Mason and Dixon's line, the Order does not prosper as it 
does north of it, the only exceptions being in Maryland and 
the District of Columbia, which lie immediately south of 
the original line. The largest average membership is in the 
District of Columbia, Rhode Island and Massachusetts follow- 
ing in the order named. Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Mex- 
ico, Rhode Island and Utah have no dormant Chapters, the 
Order being longest established in Arizona, and in the other 
Jurisdictions in the order named. 

Table No. 3 shows the number of Masonic lodges and 
Master Masons in the several States in 19 10, the number of 
Chapters of the Eastern Star in the same, with the percentage 
that number bears to the number of lodges, and the number 
of members in each State, with the percentage that number 
bears to the number of Master Masons. It will be noticed 
that Michigan bears the palm in percentage of Chapters to 
lodges, while South Dakota leads in the percentage of mem- 



280 STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 

bers to Master Masons, followed b}^ Nevada, Oregon, Michi- 
gan and Wyoming in the order named. The difference in 
totals of Chapters and members between Table No. 3 and 
the two others is caused by the omission of the foreign Chap- 
ters. 

According to proceedings received at the time of this edi- 
tion going to press the increase in number of active Cliapters 
reported by thirty-five Grand Chapters since 19 10 has been 
306, and in membership 33,384, making the total 6,848 Chap- 
ters and 578,018 members. The increase for the five years 
from 1905 to 19 10 averaged 368 Chapters and 39,803 mem- 
bers per annum. 



STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 



281 



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282 



STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 





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STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 



283 



TABLE No. 2 



Intro- Chapters Active 

duced STATES Organized Chapters 

Xew England — 

1888 Maine 159 156 

1888 New Hampshire 47 45 

1869 Vermont 78 66 

1869 Massachusetts 132 122 

1890 Rhode Island 11 11 

1869 Connecticut 74 65 

501 465 
Eastern — 

1868 Xew York 492 441 

1869 New Jersey 49 46 

1887 Pennsylvania 100 100 

641 587 
Mid- Western — 

1883 Ohio 328 320 

1870 Indiana 364 295 

1867 Michigan 423 376 

1869 Illinois 676 572 

1,791 1,563 
Western — 

1869 Missouri 425 286 

1870 Kansas 349 285 

774 571 
Northwestern — 

1890 Wisconsin 187 183 

1870 Iowa 438 383 

1869 Minnesota 197 176 

1872 Nebraska 232 185 

1887 North Dakota 66 63 

1882 South Dakota 102 96 

1,222 1,086 
Mountain and Plain — 

1882 Arizona 15 15 

1881 Colorado 85 77 

1880 Montana 46 43 

1879 Nevada 17 16 

1880 Idaho 39 33 

1879 Wyoming 24 23 

1892 Utah 9 9 

1888 New Mexico 30 30 

265 246 

Pacific 

1881 Washington 119 111 

1880 Oregon 100 91 

1869 California 284 253 

503 455 
Eastern Border — 

1879 Maryland 21 19 

1892 Dist. of Columbia... 14 12 

35 31 



Dormant Per cent 
Chapters Dormant 



No. Mem- 
bers to 
Members Chap. 



3 

2 

12 

10 



9 



15 
8 


13 



16,992 
5,378 
6,272 

17,324 
1,563 
7,043 



36 

51 
3 





10 



3-5 



38,774 
4,610 
8.686 



54 

8 

69 

47 

104 



Vz 



2 
16 
11 
15 



52,070 

28,269 
25,602 
47,961 
55.860 



228 

139 
64 



13 

33 
18 



21,061 
22,040 



203 26 



4 

55 

21 

47 

3 

6 



2 

12 
10 
20 



43,101 

16,573 
30,410 
13,963 
13,516 

4,728 
7,253 



136 


8 
3 
1 
6 
1 





11 


10 
11 

15' 

o' 





86,443 

1,199 
7,600 
3,952 
1,389 
2,235 
1,867 
894 
1,512 



19 



31 



10.244 

8,334 

30,190 



48 

2 
9 



10 

10 
16 



2,042 
3,078 



109 
116 
92 
147 
142 
108 



54,572 117 



100 

87 

89 



87 

127 

98 



157,692 101 



89 
80 
79 
73 
75 
76 



80 

80 
99 
92 

87 
68 
81 
99 
50 



20,648 84 



92 

92 

119 



48,768 108 



97 
256 



11 



5,120 182 



284 



STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 



TABLE No. 2— Continued 



Intro- 
duced 



1896 
1892 
1891 

1882 
1893 
1880 



1891 
1870 
1884 
1879 
1880 



1870 
1877 
1879 



Chapters Active 

STATES Organized Chapters 

Southeastern — 

Virginia 37 22 

West Virginia 46 42 

Georgia 78 50 

North Carolina 58 50 

South Carolina 45 35 

Florida 39 33 

303 232 
Mid- Southern — 

Alabama 100 69 

Mississippi 115 52 

Louisiana 78 68 

Kentucky 172 140 

Tennessee 102 78 

567 407 
Southwestern — 

Arkansas 407 206 

Texas 793 408 

Oklahoma 287 224 

1,487 838 

Gen. Grand Chapter. . 27 27 

Scotland 34 34 

61 61 



Dormant Per cent 
Chapters Dormant 



15 
4 

28 
8 

10 
6 



40 
10 
36 
15 
22 
19 



71 

31 
63 
10 
32 
24 



24 

47 
55 
13 

20 
24 



No. Mem- 
bers to 
Chap. 



160 



28 



201 50 

385 49 

63 22 



649 



43 



1,175 
2,874 
3,778 
1,535 
1,463 
1,435 



3,298 
2,059 
3,906 
7,153 
3,677 



20,093 



53 
68 
75 
31 
42 
43 



12,260 53 



48 
40 
57 
51 
48 



50 



8,388 42 
22,822 56 
10,958 49 



50 



1,7! 



Recapitulation — 

New England 501 465 36 

Eastern 641 587 54 

Mid- Western 1,791 1,563 228 

Western 774 571 203 

Northwestern ....... 1,222 1,086 136 

Mountain and Plain.. 265 246 19 

Pacific 503 455 48 

Eastern Border 35 31 4 

Southeastern 303 232 71 

Mid-Southern 567 407 160 

Southwestern 1,487 838 649 

*Foreign 61 61 

8,150 6.542 1,608 
^Membership in Scotland not reported. 



7 


54,572 


117 


8% 


52.070 


89 


13 


157,692 


101 


26 


43,101 


76 


11 


86,443 


80 


7 


20.648 


84 


10 


48,768 


108 


11 


5.120 


182 


24 


12,260 


53 


28 


20,093 


50 


43 


42,168 


50 




1,799 


67 



544,734 



84 



STATISTICS OF THE ORDER. 



285 



TABLE No. 3 

STATISTICS FOR 1910 



STATE Lodges 

Alabama 523 

Arizona 19 

Arkansas 527 

California 333 

Colorado 118 

Connecticut 108 

Dist. of Columbia . . 28 

Florida 191 

Georgia 453 

Idaho 55 

Illinois 786 

Indiana 542 

Iowa 520 

Kansas 394 

Kentucky 557 

Louisiana 210 

Maine 203 

Maryland 114 

Massachusetts .... 245 

Michigan 417 

Minnesota 253 

Mississippi 352 

Missouri 611 

Montana 70 

Nebraska 253 

Nevada 25 

New Hampshire . . 79 

New Jersey 192 

New Mexico 39 

New York 803 

North Carolina . . . 380 

North Dakota .... 101 

Ohio 520 

Oklahoma 385 

Oregon 123 

Pennsylvania 481 

Rhode Island 37 

South Carolina ... 233 

South Dakota 128 

Tennessee 446 

Texas 797 

Utah 15 

Vermont 104 

Virginia 298 

Washington 176 

West Virginia .... 140 

Wisconsin 265 

Wyoming 30 

Totals 13,679 







Master 


0. E. s. 




hapters 


Per cent 


Masons 


Members 


Per cent 


69 


16 


23,303 


3,298 


14 


15 


79 


1,807 


1,199 


67 


206 


40 


19,934 


8,388 


42 


253 


76 


43,007 


30,190 


70 


77 


65 


14,311 


7,600 


53 


65 


60 


22,586 


7,043 


31 


12 


42 


9,005 


3,078 


34 


33 


17 


9,083 


1,435 


16 


50 


11 


35,295 


3,778 


11 


33 


60 


3,167 


2,235 


70 


572 


73 


101,692 


55,860 


55 


295 


55 


57,499 


25,602 


45 


383 


74 


44,399 


30,410 


68 


285 


73 


35,496 


22.040 


62 


140 


25 


35,983 


7,153 


20 


68 


32 


13,802 


3,906 


21 


156 


78 


28,781 


16,992 


59 


19 


17 


13,816 


2,042 


15 


122 


50 


58,679 


17,324 


29 


376 


90 


65,708 


47,961 


73 


176 


70 


25,800 


13.963 


54 


52 


15 


18,147 


2.059 


11 


286 


47 


51,086 


21.061 


41 


43 


60 


5.957 


3.952 


67 


185 


74 


18,507 


13,516 


73 


16 


64 


1,771 


1,389 


78 


45 


58 


10,358 


5,378 


52 


46 


26 


33,094 


4.610 


14 


30 


75 


2.572 


1,512 


58 


441 


55 


168,714 


38.774 


23 


50 


13 


19,890 


1,535 


8 


63 


63 


8,006 


4,728 


59 


320 


67 


79,501 


28.269 


36 


224 


58 


18,558 


10,958 


59 


91 


74 


10,781 


8,334 


77 


100 


21 


96,430 


8,686 


9 


11 


30 


7,464 


1.563 


21 


35 


15 


13,171 


1,463 


11 


96 


75 


8,904 


7,253 


82 


78 


18 


23,835 


3,677 


15 


408 


51 


50,027 


22.822 


46 


9 


60 


1,779 


894 


50 


66 


63 


12,933 


6,272 


48 


22 


8 


20,638 


1,175 


55 


111 


63 


15,676 


10,244 


65 


42 


30 


14,679 


2.874 


20 


183 


70 


26,421 


16,573 


60 


23 


77 
47 


2,639 


1,867 


71 


,481 


1,404,691 


542,935 


39 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

Broken Column 115 

Charter Supreme Constellation, facing 24 

Crown and Scepter 115 

Cup 115 

Diagram for Constellation 120 

Family Membership Board, facing 84 

Goat of Mendes 121 

Home — Illinois, facing 262 

Kansas, facing 257 

New York, facing , . 267 

Labyrinth of Constellation 120 

Portraits — Willis D. Engle, facing 3 

Willis D. Engle, in 1878 37 

Robert Macoy, facing 90 

Rob Morris, facing 62 

Seals — Alabama 161 

California 164 

Colorado 169 

Connecticut 170 

General Grand Chapter 153 

Indiana Grand Lodge Adopted Masons 179 

Iowa 182 

Kentucky 187 

Missouri 205 

New Hampshire ...., 211 

New Jersey 212 

Rhode Island 236 

South Dakota 237 

Supreme Constellation 14 

Supreme Grand Chapter 30 

Texas 239 

Vermont 243 

Sheaf 115 

Signets — Engle, facing 156 

Macoy, facing 122 

Morris, facing Title 

Signs — Lowe's Expose, Mother's 97 

Lowe's Expose, Sister's 97 

Lowe's Expose, Widow's 96 

Lowe's Expose, Wife's 96 

Mosaic 126 

Starry Caudal Appendage, A 47 

Sword and Veil 115 



INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Adah, Degree of 67, 96 

Addendas to work 109, 131„ 270, 276' 

Additional degrees 128 

Addresses, Suppression of 179, 219 

Adopted children of Grand Chapter 216. 229 

Adopted daughters 105, 270 

Adopted Mason, The, periodical 11 

Adopted mothers 270 

Adopted sisters 270 

Adoption, French rite of 7 

Adoptive Masonry, Grand Lodges of 178, 192 

Adoptive Eite (Ritual) 11, 29, 54, 105 et seq. to 124, 171, 243 

Adoptive Rite Revised 54, 92, 164 

Adoptive Rite Ritual 54, 99, 107 

Affiliation 271, 272 

Age of petitioners 105, 270 

Alabama 25, 27, 31, 160, 258 

Alarm 94 

Alaska 253 

Alberta 254 

Altar, Five-sided 91 

Amaranth degree 56, 97, 135, 166, 167, 218, 270 

Angelic Visitors 156 

Aprons ( see Regalia ) . 

Arizona 161 

Arkansas 25, 31, 162, 258 

Ark and Dove degree 8 

Auxiliary Societies 149 

Badges 94 

Ballot, Collective 274 

Ballot, The 36, 102, 271 

Banner chair 120. 123 

Banquets 127, 241 

Belief 98, 102, 106 

Bible 127, 277 

Blind 271 

Book of Instructions 14, 54, 81, 107, 127 

British Columbia 254 

Burton, Alonzo J 13, 98, 137, 222 

Cabalistic motto 88, 122, 127 

Cabalistic word 88, 122 

California 25, 31, 32, 40, 42, 163, 258 

California Revised 54, 93, 164 



288 IXDEX. 

PAGE. 

California Ritual 54, 91,, 114, 117, 126, 164 

Canada 253 

Canal Zone 253 

Candidates, Xumber of 276 



I i 



Card parties 2 

Cebemoxies 137-142 

Chapter of Sorrow — Dike's 132 

Chapter of Sorrow — Engle's 109, 131, 176, 183, 195 

Chapter of Sorrow — Macoj-'s 90, 99, 118 

Chapters, Xames of 144 

Charity, Works of 277 

Charters outside of jurisdiction 32, 174, 218, 225 

Charters, Duplicate 277 

Children in Chapters 277 

Christian order 106, 256 

Christmas service 141, 209 

Chronology 11. 124 

Clandestine Chapters 189, 230 

Clergymen 277 

Collars ( see Regalia ) . 

Colorado 31, 168, 258 

Colors 111. 127 

Columbian Centinel 12 

Connecticut , 25, 27, 31, 126, 170, 258 

Constellations ■ 25, 105 

Constituting ceremonies 93, 142 

Continuance of membership 272 

Copyright 16, 49, 223 

Correspondence committees 220 

Cottrill, J. P. C 249 

Council, Grand Chapter 206 

Courtesies from Grand Lodges 183, 185, 226, 231, 233, 237, 238, 246 

Courtesies from Knights Templar 174, 185, 209 

Courtesies from lodges 169, 238 

Courtesies from Royal Arch Masons 227 

Covenant of adoption 65, 90, 102, 

Critical and explanatory notes 49, 55, 89, 94, 224 

Crombie's Ritual 55, 90, 255 

Cross and Lrown degree 8, 128, 134 

Dakotah , 31 

Dances 277 

Daughter of Zion degree 8 

Daughters of Bethlehem degree 8 

Daughters of Zelophadad degree 8 

Deaf and dumb 271 

Decisions 269 



INDEX. 289 

PAGE. 

Decoration ceremony 140 

Decoration Day 221 

Dedicating halls 93, 99 

Defunct Chapters, Members of 272 

Degrees, Authority to confer 104, 274 

Degrees, Emblems, Etc 111-129 

Degrees, Names of 87, 111 

Dependence of sister on Mason's standing 108 

Deputies 104 

Dimits 271 

Dimitted Masons 105 

Dimitted Masons, Relatives of 105, 270 

Districts. See Grand Chapter Histories and 15 

District conventions (see Schools of Instruction). 

District of Columbia 31, 172, 258 

Divorce 270 

Draping the altar 99, 132 

Eastern Star, The, periodical • 17, 145 

Eastern Star families 28, 176, 182 

Eastern Star homes 257 

Electa, Degree of 76, 97 

Electioneering 276 

Eligibility to membership 105, 270 

Eligibility to office 272, 275 

Emblems on pentagon 119 

Emblems on points 115 

Engle, Addie C. S 6, 125 

Engle signet 122 

Esther, Degree of 73, 96 

Examination 124, 271 

Exemplified work 131, 197, 201 

Extinction of Grand Chapters 154, 198, 202, 232 

Expulsion of Master Masons 272 

Facts — Minnesota 144 

Families of the Eastern Star 28, 176, 182 

Families of the Eastern Star, Charter of 28 

Family degree 81 

Family hail 82 

Fees 15, 36, 233 

Festal day 45, 153, 170, 185, 251 

Fines 277 

First Fruits 124 

Five Jewels of the Orient 141 

Floral Work 98, 109, 128, 137, 222, 276 

Floral emblems 118 

Floral emblem, Selection of 83 



290 INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Floral Tribute 140 

Florida 25, 31, 32, 174, 258 

Foreign Lands, Order in 31, 253 

Forfeiture of membership 107 

French Kite of Adoption 7 

Funeral ceremonies 90, 93, 94, 99, 118, 132 147, 191, 217 

Funerals 127 

General Grand Chapter .. 36-53, 103, 151, 165, 171, 172, 203, 208, 212, 

223, 247 
General Grand Chapter Ritual.. 55, 93, 108 et seq. to 128, 162, 165, 

172, 213, 222, 243 

General Grand Chapter Revised. 55, 97, 157, 172, 213, 244 

General Grand Chapter Amended 55, 100 

General Grand Chapter German 55, 100 

Gems of Song 125 

Georgia 23, 25, 175, 258 

German rituals 55, 100, 170 

Goat of Mendes 121, 158 

Golden chain 92, 278 

Good Samaritan degree 8, 55, 218 

Grand Chapters, Extinction of 154, 198, 202, 232 

Gkand Chapter Histoeies 149-256 

Grand Chapters, List of 150 

Grand Chapter, Representatives in 247 

Grand honors 94, 273 

Grand representatives 247 

Grip 82, 88 

Growth of the Order 159, 281 

Guiding Light, The 140 

Guiding Star 140 

"Hair Pin Masonry" 53 

Hatch, Chauncey M 170 

Hawaii 253 

Hepler, Mary A 185 

Heroine of Jericho degree. ..." 8, 11, 55, 128 

Heroines, Names of Ill 

Hillyer, Giles M 12 

History, Duncan's 98 

Hobe, George J 40, 167 

Holy Virgin degree 8 

Homes and Charity Work 257-267 

Idaho 175 

Illinois 23, 26, 29, 31, 42, 176, 258 

Illustrations, List of 286 

Indiana 23, 25, 27, 30, 33, 38, 41, 178, 259 

Indian Territory 229 



INDEX. 291 

PAGE. 

Initiated, Number, at once 276 

Initiation of Master Masons 89, 92, 98 

Installing officer 273 

Installation ceremony 90, 92, 94, 99 

Investigating committees 270, 272 

Iowa 23, 26, 31, 182, 259 

Jenkins, Edward 32, 211 

Jewels, Officers' 91, 156 

Jews 106 

Jurisdiction 275 

Jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter 152 

Jurisdiction, Grand Chapter 271 

Jurisprudence 269-278 

Kansas 27, 31, 184, 259 

Kentucky 23, 26, 31, 32, 187, 261 

Keystone, periodical 53 

Kindred degree 8, 55 

Kneeling 92, 220 

Labyrinth 63, 119 

Ladies' Friend 8, 55, 88, 115 

Ladies' Masonry 8 

Lady of the Cross degree 8 

Lafayette 18 

Lamb, Thomas M 44, 46, 49, 93, 179, 190 

Landmarks 36, 101 

Leake, Memory Earnest 176 

Lights and Shadows of Freemasonry 9 

Lodges in United States, Number of 285 

Louisiana 187, 261 

Lowe's Expose 55, 95 

Macoy, Robert 29 et seq. 

Macoy signet 122 

Macoy's Manual 1 1, 29, 56, 88, 105 

Macoy's Ritual 11, 56, 92, 99, 103 et seq. 126, 171, 212, 217. 221, 243 

Macoy's Standard 56, 97, 106, 108, 221 

Magic lantern monitor 142 

Maids of Jerusalem degree 8 

Maine 26, 31, 188, 261 

Manitoba 254 

Marches 92 

Married women. Age of eligibility 270 

Marshal 278 

Martha, Degree of 75, 96 

Maryland 32, 189 

Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Company 29, 99 

Mason's Daughter degree 8, 55, 128 



292 INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Masons, Obligating 92, 105 

Masonic Advocate, periodical 37, 44, 53 

Massachusetts 31, 190, 261 

Master Masons, Initiation of 89, 92, 98 

Master Masons in United States, Number of 285 

Master Masons visiting 92, 99, 105 

Matron's Administrative degree 56, 98, 134 

Mayhew, John M 39 

Membership board 82 

Membership, Eligibility to 105, 270 

Membership, Forfeiture of 107, 272 

Memorial service. See Chapter of Sorrow and 132 

Memorial Day 174, 227, 240 

Mexico 253 

Michigan 26, 31, 126', 192, 261 

Michigan Kitual 56, 93, 192 

Minneapolis Chapter No, 9 131, 154, 197, 201 

Minnesota 31, 131, 143, 196, 262 

MiNOE Rituals, Ceremonies, Etc 131-146 

Mississippi 26, 31, 32, 38, 128, 201, 262 

Missouri 23, 26, 31, 38, 42, 205, 262 

Monitor of Exemplified Work 131, 143 

Montana 196, 264 

Monument of Gratitude 9, 143, 144 

Morris, Rob 12 et. seq. 

Morris' signet 14, 122 

Morris' Manual 56, 81, 82, 106 et. seq. to 116 

Mo«es, William S 167, 232 

Mosaic Book 10, 22, 27, 56, 61, 81, 101 et. seq. to 127 

Mosaic Second 57, 81 

Mothers of Master Masons 105 

Mottoes 122, 127 

Musical Star, The 125 

Mystic Tie, The 139, 245 

Names of Chapters 144 

Names of Heroines Ill 

National Mizpah Magazine 145 

Nebraska 31, 42, 208, 264 

Negroes 271 

Nevada 31, 32, 165, 210, 264 

New Brunswick 254 

New Hampshire 31, 211, 264 

New Jersey 23, 31, 39, 42, 105, 211, 264 

New Jersey Ritual 57, 99 

New Mexico 215 

New York 23, 26, 28, 31, 105, 128, 205, 264 



INDEX. 293 

PAGE. 

New York Courier 36 

New York Dispatch, periodical , 48 

New York German 57, 99 

New York Eitual 57, 98, 104, 117, 223 

Nonpayment of dues 274 

Nonpayment of dues. Suspension from Lodge for 109 

North Carolina 26, 31, 225, 264 

North Dakota 226, 265 

Objection after ballot 274 

Objects of the Order 101 

Objects, Landmaeks, Etc 101-110 

Obligation 65, 90, 102 

Odes 81, 86, 125 

Odes with music 125 

Oflace, Eligibility to (see Eligibility to office). 

Ohio 31, 227, 265 

Oklahoma 231, 265 

Ontario 232, 254 

Opposition to Order 186, 227, 249 

Oregon 31, 232, 265 

Organizing officer (see Deputies). 

Oeigin of the Order 7- 19 

Past officers. Powers of 273 

Past officers, Eights of 273, 276 

Password 125, 165, 251, 278 

Patron's lecture 92, 94, 97, 212, 221 

Pennsylvania 26", 31, 234, 266 

Periodicals 145 

Petitions 272 

Philippine Islands 253 

Physical qualifications 106, 271 

Pilgrims, The 140 

Plain Statement, A — Minnesota 144 

Poems 12, 145, 156 

Point Emblems 115 

Portraits, See List of Illustrations and 149 

Power, John L 35, 39, 174 

Preparatory work 134 

Presiding officer 103, 164 

Public displays 104, 273, 276 

Quebec 255 

Queen of the South degree 56, 97, 128, 133, 144, 166 

Quorum 274 

Quorum in Grand Chapter 189, 235 

Eeception of visitors (see Mystic Tie). 

Eegalia 14, 17, 91, 94, 182 



294 ' INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Eelief of brethren 277 

Eeports of committees 270 

Representatives, Grand 247 

Residence 275 

Review, A 142 

Reynolds, Harmon G 176, 184, 205 

Rhode Island 235 

Ritual, Changes in 152, 157, 190, 196, 221, 243 

Ritual, Ownership of 49, 99 

Ritual, Preparation of 152 

Rituals 54-100 

Rituals, List of 54- 58 

Rods 278 

Rosary, The 57, 86, 112, 115, 118 

Ruth, Degree of 70, 96 

Saloon Keepers 276 

Sashes (see Regalia). 

Saskatchewan 255 

Savery, P. M.. . 35, 38 

School of Instruction 177, 188, 195, 227 

Scotch Ritual 58 

Scotland 31, 255 

Scripture recitations 94 

Seals. See List of Illustrations and 14, 236 

Sedgwick's Monitor 142 

Short Specimen Dramas 131, 171 

Side degrees 8, 166 

Signet emblems 115, 122 

Signets. See List of Illustrations and 14, 122 

Signs 88, 94, 95, 102, 126 

Sisterhood degree 128, 137, 222 

Sisters-in-law 105, 127 

Social grip 82 

Soliciting membership 277 

South Carolina 31, 236, 26'6 

South Dakota 237, 266 

Sponsors 124 

Square and compasses 186, 235 

Stanton, H. T 195 

Star and Cross degree 134 

Star Crowned Cross, The 140 

Star Officers, Position of 120, 123 

Star of Bethlehem, The 141 

Star of Light, The 142 

Star Light 145 

Star, Position of 120 



INDEX. 295 

PAGE. 

Statistics of the Order 279-285 

Stepdaughters 235, 270 

Stepsisters 235, 270 

Supreme Being, Belief in 98, 102, 106 

Supreme Bodies 20- 53 

Supreme Constellation 22-27, 102 

Supreme Constellation, Charter of 24 

Supreme Council, No. 1 13-17, 21 

Supreme Council, No. 1, Charter of 22 

Supreme Council, No. 2 27 

Supreme Council, No. 3 34-36, 103 

Supreme Grand Chapter 29-34, 102, 174, 203 

Supreme Grand Chapter, Charter of 29 

Supreme Grand Chapter, Constitution of 33 

Supreme Grand Chapter, Chapters chartered by 31, 152 

Suppression of addresses 179, 219 

Suspended Chapters, Members of 272 

Suspension of Chapters 154, 197, 201 

Suspension from Masonry 272 

Sweet Briar degree 8 

Tatem's Monitor 58, 88, 105, 115, 119, 121, 178, 192 

Taxation by General Grand Chapter 153 

Tennessee 27, 31, 238, 266 

Tessera 123 

Test oath 270 

Texas 26, 31, 239, 266 

Thesauros 10, 13-17, 58-61, 104 et seq. to 128 

Titles of members 106, 277 

True Kindred degree 252, 276 

Utah 242, 266 

Valedictory 87 

Veils 117, 233 

Vermont 26', 31, 243, 266 

Virginia 31, 245, 266 

Visit, Right to 277 

Visiting, Master Masons 277 

Visitors, Reception of (see Mystic Tie). 

Vocal Star, The 138, 191, 194 

Voice of Masonry, periodical 10, 11 

Voting sign 123, 270 

Waiver of jurisdiction 275 

Washington 31, 246, 266 

Washington, George 17 

Welcome Ode 86 

West Virginia 248, 266 

White Shrine of Jerusalem 173, 190, 276 



296 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Wisconsin 26', 31, 126, 249, 266 

Wife's sister 105, 127 

Wyoming 32, 252, 267 

Yukon 255 







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